Developing Objectives Based On Mindful Engagment
Introduction
According to world-renowned education scholar Robert Gagne, "defining learning outcomes (measurable objectives) is an important step in the curriculum development process because it makes the intention of the course of study visible to the administrators, teachers, parents, and students, and it helps to identify assumptions about what knowledge and skills the students need to bring to succeed" (Gagne, 132). Essentially, creating objectives allows for everyone involved in the learning process to know exactly what is expected of students to learn throughout the lesson. Without objectives, a lesson has no direction or meaning. Being able to create objectives that foster mindful engagement is the goal for this lesson and it will help create a template that will foster learning in your classroom.
In this unit you will read articles based on instructional objectives and how to mold objectives to fit the different types of activities and learning goals for your sample lesson. You will discuss your findings in a discussion activity with your classmates. Then you will create instructional objectives for your sample lesson.
Objectives
Objectives
By completing this lesson, participants will be able to:
- After reading/watching the appropriate material, learners will understand the importance of creating instructional objectives by participating in an online discussion.
- After participating in a discussion activity, learners will create instructional objectives for sample lesson utilizing a "Mindful Engagement" approach.
Readings/Video
1) Objectives In Teaching Social Studies by Marlow Ediger
This article gives an explanation for the importance of creating meaningful objectives in a social studies classroom. Think about the types of objectives you would like to write for your mini lesson... especially since you've already picked a topic!
Click Here For The Article
2) YouTube Clip: Instructional Objectives- Technology and Education Today
This is a short clip that describes instructional objectives and ways to implement technology in the classroom.
Tasks
1) Read the article and watch the clip found above
2) Participate in class discussion on instructional objectives.
After reading the article and watching the video above, answer the following questions in an initial response:
1) What types of objectives are found to be most effective according to the article above?
2) How do objectives create transparency during the lesson planning process?
IMPORTANT:
- Make one initial post answering the questions
- Respond to at least two of your classmates initial post
- Comment to all students who post under your initial post.
3) Create instructional objectives for sample lesson.
Using the readings and the framework of your sample lesson, create 3 objectives. Make sure they can be measured through the use of mindful engagement in the classroom. Write a paragraph for each objectives detailing your rationale.
4) Brief Reflection
Write a brief reflection on what you have learned so far in the course. Has it been beneficial or are you still confused as to what Mindful Engagement actually is? Let the instructor know your thoughts so you can receive assistance! Also, try to address the following issues:
1) What types of performance do you wish your students would achieve during your mini-lesson?
2) In what ways have you participated in lessons that utilize Mindful Engagement in the classroom?
Assessments
1) See Discussion Rubric at the bottom of Lesson #1
2) Instruction Objectives Check List:
- Create three (3) instructional objectives for your lesson
- Write a brief paragraph for each describing the rationale for your objectives
3) See "How You Will Be Graded on the Mini Course Homepage for Reflection Guidelines. You can find them here.
Move On!
Move on to Lesson #4!
or
Go back to Lesson #1, Lesson #2.
Resources and References
1) Ediger, Marlow. "Objectives In Teaching Social Studies`." College Student Journal 34.1 (2000): 45. Web.
2) Gagne, Robert. Principles of Instructional Design. 5th ed. Belmont: Thompson-Wadsworth, 2005. Print.
3) Smith, Richard. Instructional Objectives- Technology and Education Today. 09 Apr, 2013. YouTube Video Clip. Accessed on 30 Apr, 2013.