I'll start by saying that I really enjoyed reading The Tempered Radical's view on student objectives. As a student, class objectives aren't really something I've paid much attention to, though I suppose I do find it helpful when teachers put up a daily lesson plan. It help you know where the class is going, without losing track and becoming bored. If you know where the lesson is going, I think it's easier to keep engaged, because you have an idea of how much time you'll spend on each topic and what you're going to learn.
As a teacher, I can see how objectives can be helpful as well. Not only will your students know exactly what they're supposed to learn, and gauge how well they've done that, acknowledging the objectives will keep you focused and on the right track. Without a clear objective or lesson plan, even the best teacher can end up fumbling on what to do next and loosing student interest in the process.
I'm sure technology will make it a lot easier for both students and teachers to understand learning objecters. Teachers can do what The Tempered Radial did, and research different ways to use learning objectives to their benefit and connect with other teachers to see what worked for them. Older students can connect with their teachers on sites like Edmodo, and younger students can use computer game to test their learning once they know exactly what it is they're supposed to learn. All in all, there are plenty of ways for technolgy to contribute to student friendly objectives.
Anna, I agree with teachers keeping and posting daily lesson plans. I myself let my mind wander outside of the classroom less when I see the agenda in front of me. Lesson planning is something all teachers should perfect on in order to keep a somewhat "order" in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI also liked your computer game idea; last year when I was with Kindergartners a lot I participated in "computer time" in which I now recall some of them (even online) have not only instructions but descriptions of what should be covered/recalled/learned/practiced from the game.
I completely agree that, as a student, learning objectives are super helpful every class period. Until I read the article, I never even thought about how it can help us to plan our lessons! Lesson planning is a difficult task when you're unable to "measure" what you want the children to know.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you specified the differences of testing the comprehension of younger children versus college aged kids. I DEFINITELY wish we could play computer games for homework though..... ;)
I agree that websites make for good communication and connections with teachers. It is a good way for us to get on their level in a way that is going to improve their learning. I hadn't thought of computer games as a way to test learning, but what a great idea! I also agree that clear objectives are critical because if they are not clear the student is just going to struggle.
ReplyDeleteI also found it helpful as a student when the teacher told us what we were suppose to get accomplished each day. As a future teacher I think it is important that I do this as well because it is so helpful. The computer game idea is also a very good idea because it is something that the students will find exciting.
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