Objectives

Objectives
 * Read and Reflect:**

In the past, I started each lesson with, “This is what we are going to learn today,” and stating a specific goal or objective for the lesson. Sometimes I might not give a specific objective and just start the lesson with an overall introduction to the lesson. I have been teaching for many years and I know objectives are an important part of a lesson. I was taught to write objectives in my lesson plans as a way to guide myself to build up the lesson. I also would state the expectation or outcomes of the learner.

Questions Page 176 ~ Handbook


 * 1.** **What is the purpose of setting objectives in the classroom?**

The purpose of setting objectives in the classroom is to guide the learner and give them some understanding of the expectations of the learner. Setting objectives for learners also helps support the lessons design for the instructor to deliver the information needed to accomplish the objectives. Allowing students to be a part of this helps engage them in their learning.


 * 2.** **How do I set objectives in my classroom now?**

In the classroom today I have to follow the state standards to develop my objectives. My current textbook does a nice job outlining the student’s learning goals for each chapter. They put them in the student’s book at the beginning of each chapter. I take time to read them out loud with my students as well as the objectives for each lesson that are in my book only.


 * 3.** **What do I do to communicate classroom objectives to my students?**

I share my classroom objectives either verbally with my students or write them on the board. I currently use formative assessments to gather what they may or may not know. I ask questions regularly to gather feedback from them. I use rubrics with writing assignments and give them to my students as a guide. I use post-it notes for them to write answers to my questions or make lists of things they know about the subject. They sometimes post on board when they are finished and I read them aloud. This helps me see if teacher and students are in sync with one another.


 * 4.** **What Questions do I have about setting objectives in my classroom?**

I teach special education and I have to work extra hard to get my students to articulate the learning goals. I want to know where to find help or ideas on creative ways to do this. How much guidance should I give them and at the same time they retain ownership of //their// learning goals?


 * Apply and Reflect:**

I have use Rubistar to create many rubrics. I created one for my basic Health Science class (click on the PDF below). The students have to pick a mental illness and create an informational brochure about that illness. I have used Rubistar with several other writing assignments. It is easy to use and gives ideas to create your rubrics. I have passed this on to my colleagues and would recommend this site to all teachers. There are many free rubric makers online but I always go back to Rubistar because it is so easy to use.

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