It's imperative to have the students understand what is expected of them. Just as I as the instructor want to be clear on what is expected of me as their instructor.
It's a map to where you need to get to.
Clarity, in the field of education, is the key to success. If I will not be able to clearly explain to my students the goals and objectives of the course, how can I expect from them to follow the directions. Above all, the school I teach at (post secondary vocational, I have to be crystal clear while explaining the goals, objectives, requirements etc.
Students need to have a clear understanding of expectations. It is also vital to reiterate these goals and objectives throughout the term to better mentor students, and have good learning outcomes.
I could not agree more. If the course outline looks and reads like a constitutional amendment, my students immediately drive into the weeds on the side of the road. As you said, nice "bite size goals and objectives" to give them a real sense of accomplishment and self-confidence - perfect.
I provide a copy of the skills set to the students to prepare themselves for the competnecy evaluations. Learning new technical skills comes easier when every step is broken down into precise detail.
Having clear goals and objectives lets the students know what will be expected of them and helps them identify areas where they personally need additional attention. It reduces stress and fosters a sense of competency.
I can't tell you how often I've fallen into th trap of getting material late and having no plan of action for my class. I often felt like I was cheating my class from the foundation of what was suppose to be my class. Not being able to inform my students about what they can lookk forward to learn was key for me.
Without the Blueprint a plan of action and or the foundation for the class. You can count on always having to play catch up... it's like a dog constantly chasing it's own tail.
This was a SUPERB! course for me. Thank you
I think havin clear goals and objectives allows for evaluation of the success of the course and serves as a road map of how it will go
This is so important becuase students want to know where they are going Nx what to understand the benefits from taking the class> How it will benefit them in their career & skill & knowledge.
It helps define what they will be doing. A good infomration tool to explain "how" they are going to do it.
Clear goals and objectives allow the student to see the expectations for the course material. Giving students daily objectives helps keep the student focused on the content for the particular lesson. It is very important to have well written objectives so that the student has a clear understanding of what it is that they are expected to learned from the information. Objectives should also be used to formulate test questions. When exam questions are written using the objectives, if the students have studied the course material using the objectives they will be successful in the course and learned what the course intended for them to learn.
Clear goals and objectives allow the students, faulty, and administration to understand the projected outcomes for the course. Giving students the information regarding how and when goals and objectives are to be achieved gives them an idea pertaining to their individual progress through the course material. From an instructors view, the course goals and objectives provide a subjective (goals) and objective (objectives) means to plan and execute content delivery in an efficient manner.
Our program is accelerated, if the students know what is expected of them and when then they will be more successful.
Students must have a clear understanding of the expectations of the they are being educated on. It is my hope to be clear and concise.
Daniel,
Based upon these comments and the ones previously it sounds like you have some exciting challenges in order to keep your courses current and reflective of the field. I am sure your efforts give you a lot of satisfaction to know you have been able to target your high tech plus highly creative field in a way that gives your students the needed content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Establishing clear goals and objectives is the foundation for the course. The lesson plans, lectures, and other course activities can not be focused and developed if these ideas are not developed. The goals and objectives are the reference point for when I am deciding on applicable content. When I am making a power point presentation for my class and something is questionable as to whether or not it should be included, even if I decide not to include something because of relevancy, it will expand my capacity as an instructor because I will have evaluated the topic and its pertinence to the course goals and objectives. The goals and objectives of the course must be thoroughly understood by the instructor.
Clear goals and objectives are absolutely vital for the courses I teach as much of the content is both highly technical and highly creative.
The curriculum must constantly marry these concepts and a strong and elegant plan is required to introduce concepts, convey goals, and assess technical skill at an optimal pace.
I would be lost without clear goals and objectives. All my classroom activities, assignments and assessments are structured around my goals and objectives. They are my roadmap.
Taunya,
Well stated. Clear and concise goals and objectives help students to understand course requirements, expectations and assignments.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Developing clear goals and objectives is beneficial for both instructor and student. With clear goals and objectives, instructors are focused, organized and well prepared to teach their course. Students will benefit because expectations and responsibilities are clear. Developing an understanding between student and instructor will provide a better learning environment.
It tells the student what to expect during the course, what they should be learning, and possibly when they will learning the goals. It will also help the student determine if the instructor is meeting the goals of the course. If it is half way through and they have only covered one objective, they should approach the instructor and reinforce that these were the stated objectives of the course.
