Instructional objectives are an essential component of effective teaching and learning.
They
provide a clear roadmap for educators, outlining the specific, measurable, short-term, and
observable behaviors that students are expected to demonstrate as a result of instruction. By
setting clear objectives, educators can guide their instructional practices and ensure that students
are actively engaged in the learning process. In this essay, we will explore the process of writing
instructional objectives and provide examples to illustrate their importance and effectiveness.
According to Mager (1997), instructional objectives should be specific, measurable, short-term,
and observable student behaviors. Let's explore each of these characteristics in detail.
Instructional objectives are statements that describe the desired learning outcomes of a lesson or
course. They provide a clear focus for both educators and students, ensuring that teaching and
learning activities are aligned with the intended goals.
To begin with, instructional objectives should be specific. This means that they should clearly
define what students are expected to learn or achieve. Vague or general objectives can lead to
confusion and make it difficult for both educators and students to assess progress. For example,
instead of stating a general objective such as "Students will understand the concept of
photosynthesis," a specific objective could be "Students will be able to explain the process of
photosynthesis and identify its key components" (Gronlund (2004).
Furthermore, instructional objectives should be measurable. This means that they should be
written in a way that allows for assessment and evaluation of student learning. Measurable
objectives provide educators with a clear criterion for determining whether students have
achieved the desired outcomes. For instance, a measurable objective could be "Students will be
able to solve quadratic equations by factoring and provide the correct solutions."
In addition, instructional objectives should be short-term. This means that they should focus on
what students will be able to accomplish in a relatively short period, such as a lesson or a unit of
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study. Short-term objectives help to break down larger learning goals into manageable steps,
making the learning process more attainable for students. For example, a short-term objective
could be "Students will be able to identify and classify different types of triangles based on their
angles and sides" (Wiggins and McTighe (2005).
Moreover, instructional objectives should be observable. This means that they should describe
behaviors or actions that can be directly observed or demonstrated. Observable objectives allow
educators to assess student learning through various means, such as tests, projects, or
presentations. For instance, an observable objective could be "Students will be able to perform a
chemistry experiment and accurately record their observations and results."
According to Smith (2018), "Instructional objectives provide educators with a clear roadmap for
designing effective lessons and assessing student progress" (p. 25).To illustrate the process of
writing instructional objectives, let's consider an example in the context of a history lesson. The
overall objective of the lesson might be for students to understand the causes and consequences of
the American Revolution. Based on this objective, specific, measurable, short-term, and
observable objectives can be developed.
Here are a few examples, Specific: Students will be able to identify and explain the main causes
of the American Revolution, including taxation without representation and restrictions on colonial
trade.
Measurable: Students will be able to write a short essay analyzing the causes of the American
Revolution and supporting their arguments with evidence from primary and secondary sources.
Short-term: Students will be able to participate in a class discussion on the causes of the
American Revolution and contribute at least two relevant points.
Observable: Students will be able to create a timeline illustrating the key events leading up to the
American Revolution and present it to the class.
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By setting clear instructional objectives, educators can effectively plan their lessons, select
appropriate instructional strategies, and assess student learning. These objectives provide a
framework for instruction and help to ensure that students are actively engaged in the learning
process. Furthermore, “instructional objectives allow for effective communication between
educators, students, and other stakeholders, as they provide a shared understanding of what is
expected and what will be assessed” (Zarry (2002).
Examples of Well-Written Instructional Objectives: To further illustrate the importance of well-
written instructional objectives, let's consider a few examples; Subject: Biology, Objective:
"Students will be able to identify and label the major organs of the human digestive system on a
diagram." History, Objective: "Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to construct a
well-supported argument about the causes of World War II." Mathematics, Objective: "Students
will solve quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula."
Importance of Writing Effective Instructional Objectives: Writing effective instructional
objectives is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a clear direction for educators,
helping them design appropriate teaching strategies and select relevant learning resources.
Secondly, well-defined objectives enhance student engagement and motivation by setting clear
expectations and goals. Lastly, measurable objectives enable educators to assess student progress
and make informed instructional decisions.
In conclusion, instructional objectives are specific, measurable, short-term, and observable
student behaviors that guide teaching and learning. They play a crucial role in effective
instruction by providing clarity, focus, and assessment criteria. By writing clear and concise
instructional objectives, educators can enhance student engagement, facilitate learning, and
promote academic achievement.
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REFERENCES
Gronlund, N. E. (2004). Writing instructional objectives for teaching and assessment. Prentice
Hall.
Mager, R. F. (1997). Preparing instructional objectives: A critical tool in the development of
effective instruction. Center for Effective Performance.
Smith, N.A. (2018). Clear roadmap for designing effective lessons and assessing student progress:
A critical tool in the development of effective instruction. Center for Effective Performance.
Wiggins, G., and McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by solving mathematics. ASCD.
Zarry, D.F. (2002). instructional objectives allow for effective communication between
educators, students, and other stakeholders. Center for Effective Performance.
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