Engage and Focus Students: Objectives and Interest Approach

This week's weekly readings have examined instructional objectives and interest approaches. These two important topics are key to engaging students in the topics to be learning and also directing their learning on a focused path.

Newcomb et. al. explained that objectives should fall under the three-domains of learning: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning. With this in mind, they must also be observable and measurable behaviors. This therefore can reflect the students' performances. As I am beginning to write objectives, it has been challenging at times to incorporate all the domains of learning and also making the objectives measurable; however, I'm sure it will become easier with practice. The Whittington article pointed out that when writing our objectives, we must aim for higher cognitive levels on Bloom's Taxonomy. She pointed out that for our students to learn at this level, it is essential that we teach at this level. She also noted that objectives help student organize their thoughts as well and help them make sense of everything being taught.

This picture is very helpful when planning objectives. 

Newcomb et. al. also mentioned using interest approaches to help students connect what they know. It is important for them to see the felt need of the material being learned. For example, the teacher should show how they can use the information for their SAE projects. Newcomb et. al. also gave some examples for interest approaches, such as case studies and demonstrations.