DEVELOPING LEARNING QBIECTIVES
As some point, the needs must be converted into objectives. As we have seen, the first step is to write the broad program objectives. These must then be reduced to more usable items, frequently referred to as specific behavioral olrjecfives. We will do some of that, in this book, but there are many sources one can go to in order to develop competency in writing such objectives. More important is the process and thought that goes into producing the learning objective. The writing is the end result.
Mediation
Learning objectives do not exist in a vacuum. The actual objective must reflect certain realities of the learning situation. One aspect is how the learning will be delivered. Given advances in technology. we now refer to machine-mediated learning and instructor-mediated learning. Machine-mediated instruction achieved its greatest impetus with the introduction of teaching machines. This is usually dated in the early 1960s, but I recall a conference of the American Society for Training and Development, in the mid-1950s, where teaching machines were being demonstrated. Of course they were primitive, but they did exist. in the 1960s, partly because of increased interest by the military, the market grew and the machines became more sophisticated. General acceptance was delayed until the development of the microprocessors, portable computer terminals, and other devices that made machine-mediated instruction more available. For the most part, we now have machines that are related to computers, though it is still possible to have free-standing learning machines.
When the learning is machine-mediated, the objectives must be very specific. One reason is that the machine can only do what is programmed into it, and the program must relate to previously agreed upon objectives. Once the machine is being used. there is a limit to flexibility. The more sophisticated machines can allow for branching and other alternatives, but we are still limited to those alternatives that have previously been entered into the machine.
Although the decision on the delivery system (that is. mediation) will not be made until later in the design process, some thought must be given to it at this point. if machines are to be used, the objectives must be as specific as language allows.
Where the program is to be instructor-nudinlrd. the objectives need not be quite so specific. it is not suggested that there be no objectives. or poorly written objectives, but the level of specificity is not as crucial. When‘ the instructor is a professional, overly specific objectives might even prove to be a hindrance. If nothing else, the self-image of the professional instructor requires some influence over the learning situation, and some flexibility in meeting the objectives.
There is one form of instructor-mediated learning that requires objectives that are more specific, though limited. This is a system referred to as Peermediated-learning (PML). As is obvious from the label, it is using an instructor who is not a professional but who will have responsibility for conducting the learning experience. This approach has many benefits, but also some limitations. If PML is to be used. the objectives should be very specific, but also very limited. Unless we want to try to make the peer a professional, which defeats the reason for using peers, we cannot expect the peer to have the flexibility inherent in the performance of a professional instructor.
If it is possible, at this point in the CEM, to have a decision on the mediation approach to be used, it will faciliate writing the leaming objectives. if such a decision is not possible at this time, the Designer must proceed to write objectives based on what appears to be the possible form of mediation. lt is essential that theDesigner indicate the probable forms of delivery, for without identifying that aspect it is not possible to know the level of specificity required for the learning objectives.
Writing Learning Objectives
We now come to actually writing the learning objectives. Note that there has been a good deal of discussion and exploration before we come to the actual writing-and there will be still more. Too many people think that the major activity is to sit and write, to find the exact words, and then the learning objectives will be meaningful and helpful. That is not the case. The written learning objective is the end result of a good deal of work and interpersonal activity.
A useful learning objective will be stated in terms of the desired outcome, not what has to be done to achieve that outcome. The objective should not describe content or practice. For the kinds of learning programs we are concerned with in this book, we can say that the learning objective must indicate the performance of the learner at the end of the learning experience.
There are lists of categories for the cognitive (knowledge) and affective (attitude) domains. The list for the psychomotor (skills) is still being developed. lt is good to know, and at times can be useful but on a practical level, very few Designers go into that much detail. The relevant books are listed in the bibliography and the Designer is encouraged to go to them repeatedly. Experience has shown, however, that many Designers get frustrated because they have neither the time nor the requisite academic background to make these lists useful. This is not to deprecate Designers, for the same could be said of the "curriculum advisors" in school systems who are not using the domains at a more than superficial level.
A way of focusing the emphasis on the end result of the learning is to start the list of leaming objectives with a preamble which states, "By, the end of this learning experience, the learner will be able to . . ..'
This emphasizes that the focus is on the learner, not the instructor. it also underscores the requirement to look at the completion of the leaming experience and the performance that is expected at that time.
Three components should appear in an objective:
1. Performance
2. Condition
3. Criterion
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