7 -- Writing learning objectives

If our teaching is about the needs of our students, it is imperative that we develop clear goals or objectives. This is especially important in a formal classroom setting. (One of the objectives of this class is that students "gain experience in writing objectives and outcomes and will be able to create such statements.")

So, let's start to learn this skill. It's not complicated but it does take practice. Here is how I think we should proceed:

1. Read this blog article on writing objectives.

2 . Think of a teaching situation in which you have been involved in the past - or better yet, in which you are now involved. Use what you have learned from the article to craft four learning objectives for your students in that situation. Don't worry about making the objectives perfect right now. I will send you suggestions on how to make them better.

3. Email the objectives to me.

4. We will use them in a future video chat.

If you don't understand what this is all about just try it. This is one of those skills that we best learn by doing. So, this is all about practicing.