One of the things I like about this course is the introduction to ABCD objectives. Of all the ways of writing learning objectives, the ABCD method is a very good one as it's clear and easy to apply. And there are hundreds of websites and articles about how to write objectives!
Writing learning objectives is an art--and one that takes some time to perfect. When first beginning to write objectives, one often has the tendency to write too much. The urge is to include everything we can think of. However, if we focus on just one thing that will be assessed, it's easier to write the objective.
Goals are the overarching aims of instruction--what we want the students to learn and do at the end of an entire instructional year or term or program of study. Objectives are the small demonstrations of the steps the students take to reach the goal.
Assessment and objectives are closely connected. Objectives must name observable and measurable behavior. Assessment is the measure of the behavior. If it cannot be observed and measured, it cannot be included in an objective. A good way to think about this is to ask yourself, "How do I know a student has accomplished this?"
Rubrics are totally wonderful, because they go hand in hand with assessment. Rubrics inform students and instructors exactly how a task is measured and evaluated on a numerical scale.
Education should never be a mystery. Students should always be given learning objectives, clear ideas of assessment, and rubrics.
Anyway, I've always liked Week 2 because I think it's a great idea to begin the course with a focus on writing good learning objectives.
Now, we're off to Week 3 with another incredibly wonderful too--Delicious!
Donna
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