My clear goals and objectives for the course is let student know on the first day of the class, what book will be used.Students will be needing to bring work book on what days. Students need to have a clear picture that from first week to last week of the module about their test, quizzes, and what chapters are covered and last day of their projects. Of course make up exams dates and make up hours days.I do not compromise with my syllabus students must follow them.
Goals give you something to shoot for, something to achieve. This gives one a reason for taking the class in the first place. The objectives let you know if you've reached your goal(s).
I keep on track with my instuction when I pay attention to my objectives and goals for the class. Class goes smoother. If you come into class unprepared, students can usually tell.
I have come into class unprepared before. The students were not as engaged as usual because I was fumbling around for material, etc. It was not fun! So I always have my objectives for each class time noted down along with actives and plans for that day.
Clear goals are the foundation on which your teaching is built. It tells one where you are going with the learning experience. A goal is reached after several objectives are met.
An objective is specific. It states what the students will be able to do as the result of your instruction.It lists what the student is to learn, what will enable the learning, how they will know they have learned, and must be sequential, relavent,accurate, and focused.
I believe setting clear goals and objectives gives students benchmarks that they can contribute to being sucsessful in their own minds.They can check off each goal as it happens
and know they are making strides.
I've found that one benefit of having clear goals and objectives is that the student and instructor can stay focused.
I really like the idea of weekly & daily goals & objectives as a way of setting the road map toward competency in the overall course. In addition, if and when content needs to be updated or changed for a particular course, an instructor can clearly see what this affects in the course outline by looking at any previously well written goals & objectives to determine where to make changes and how much to change, including the goal / objective itself sometimes.
I think the benefit is two fold:
1. it helps the students see what they are going to learn, stay on track and feel like they have reached a certain level of satisfaction when completed.
2. Quite frankly it keeps the instructors on tract. There can be wealth of excellent information out there which we at time would love to share, but this way if objective and goals are clearly stated with can stay better on track.
So students know exactly what they are learning and can stay on task or even ahead of the semester/term.
If you have clear goals and objectives it gives you a direction in which you instruct your class as well as helps you judge day to day. I can adjust my teaching by knowing my goals but if we are stuck somewhere we can address that and then get back on course. I just wish I had more time to plan for the courses I teach.
It is important to have clearly stated goals to make students aware of the ideals to be acheived in each course. This includes the knowledge, skills, and values required to attain these ideals. Course objectives specify the learning activities and performances to be evaluated and the criteria that must be met to acheive these goals.
Goals keep you focused on what needs to be done. Without a goal, you have no target to shoot for, and your class may end up off course or not complete. Clear objectives help you to reach your goal by giving you step by step criteria to achieve your ultimate goal. If you accomplish all of your objectives, and they are in alignment with your goals, you will also accomplish your goals. Your objectives must be clearly written and specific to your goal, or you will be trying to reach an incorrect or unclear goal.
Karen,
So true and so important. We have to make sure we convey to our students what our objectives are and how we are going to help them achieve the course goals if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
it is important to have clear goals and objectives for your course so that your students will better understand the content of the course and the expectations you have set for them.
Teri,
With clear goals and objectives things go so much better. I have to have them clearly laid out for myself as well as my students or I don't feel in control of the learning environment. Good point, thanks for sharing it.
Gary
I love to have clear objectives and goals, because I can always tell the class I know where you are now, and I know where you will be.
Jewell,
Well said. I like the example you use of the GPS. These devices really work if we are willing to follow the information they give us, it is when we try to out think them that we get in trouble which is not uncommon for students.
Gary
It is important to have clear goals and objectives for the course because the goals and objectives are the base which my teaching is built. The goals and objectives of the course can be considered the "GPS" of the course and if followed will direct us to our destination.
To make sure that each student understand what is about to be teached and get there understanding before going to far into the teaching process of your studies.
Clear goals and objectives eliminate any confusion of what is expected from the students' perspective. Having a set of objectives additionally creates a more efficient learning process for the instructor. By reaching the goals and objectives of the course, the student can chart their own progress and gain confidence in their ab ility and knowledge.
