ObjectivesWRITING WORTHWHILE OBJECTIVES FOR YOUR CLASS

Objectives

Develop a clear understanding of how to design a worthwhile objective.

Examine various examples of objectives and non-examples.

Identify more than one-way to asses an objective.

Describe how instruction can be aligned to fit objectives.

Defining objectives

There is fine difference between an objective and an activity. An activity is a method that is used to reach an

objective.

The student will read an FAA case study.

An objective is the intended outcome of the lesson (i.e., the skill or attitude that the learner will have)

The student will describe in detail 4 FAA case studies that relate to pilot fatigue.

Sullivan and Higgins (1983) define objectives as a description of an attitude or skill the learner will have at the end of the instruction.

Defining objectives

Dick, Carey and Carey (2005) state that objectives can support instructors by: Developing specific knowledge, skills, and

attitudes.

Helping to determine a strategy to instruction.

Create criteria for evaluation student performance at the end of instruction.

Worthwhile objectives

Sullivan and Higgins (1983) point to two questions to ask yourself in order to determine if an objective is worthwhile. Will the students use the skill in life?

Will this skill be used to acquire another useful skill?

An objective needs to measure a skill or attitude.

Types of objectives

Sullivan and Higgins (1983) note that the types of objectives are: Memory objectives

Memory objectives have the students identify specific elements that require memorization.

Application objectives

The student will apply a skill or knowledge into a performance.

Attitudinal objectives

the student will perform or indicate a change in behavior.

Attitudinal objectives should reflect real-life situations.

Examples of Objectives

Memory objective example The student will identify landing procedures of a

Boeing 747.

Application objective The student will perform a simulated landing of a

Boeing 747.

Attitudinal objective The student will attain a passing score on the FAA

licensing test.

Constructing objectives

Describing performance Givens are materials the student will have when

they are assessed on an objective.

Givens are not always necessary.

The intent of the objective can determine whether or not a given is necessary.

Examples with givens The student will develop a flight plan that

accounts for weather, given weather map and coordinates.

Given filmed examples of a cockpit cabin, the student will state the correct procedures.

Constructing objectives

Two features of a worthwhile objective: Describes an observable performance.

Describes the necessary performance conditions or givens during assessment.

What to do when first writing objectives? Determine what is the instructional content of the

lesson.

Identify what the student will be able to do after going through the lesson.

Constructing objectives

Student performance Tell what the student will be able to do after

instruction.

Avoid stating what they will know or how they will feel.

The verb used in an objective should identify or indicate a performance that can be observed.

Use the chart in the next slide to decide on the correct verb to use.

Verbs by Blooms Taxonomy  Cognitive Process Dimension

  Remember Understand Apply Analyze Evaluate Create

Verbs List, locate,

write, find,

state,

identify,

name,

match,

repeat,

recite

Explain,

describe,

discuss,

classify,

identify,

locate,

recognize,

report,

select,

translate,

interpret

Apply, solve,

examine,

complete,

demonstrate,

illustrate,

operate,

produce,

calculate,

manipulate,

modify

Analyze,

examine,

compare,

contrast,

explain,

demonstrate,

differentiate,

distinguish,

appraise,

deduce,

categorize

Evaluate,

select, choose,

decide, justify,

recommend,

evaluate,

criticize,

estimate,

defend,

determine

Create,

design,

develop,

devise,

formulate,

combine,

plan,

construct,

propose,

hypothesize

Aligning instruction with the objective Sullivan and Higgins (1983) point out that good

instruction should follow from your objectives.

Presenting information Present information in a clear and concise

manner.

Only include information that pertains to the objectives.

Present information in a straightforward manner.

Avoid including items in a presentation that could impact external cognitive load.

Activity

Develop three complete objectives for the course that you teach.

Thank you for your time.

Any Questions?