How To Hit Your Learning Targets

In K-12 education, emerging research shows the value of clearly stating learning targets with students. Sharing these targets or objectives does 3 things:
 

1. Activates prior knowledge in students
2. Allows students to choose strategies to accomplish objectives
3. Increases likelihood that students will monitor and adjust their learning behaviors

 
In other words, sharing targets increases the chance that your students will accomplish them! Common sense and experience tells me that this research applies equally well, if not better, to adult learners. Adults are more results driven and have adopted learning strategies that work for their individual style. If they are clear about the end goal, they will adjust their game to achieve it.
 
What’s the best way to share learning objectives with your participants? I introduce them verbally and visually as part of my opening, just after my hook. I then refer to them in the middle of the session and again near the end of the session. These reminders provide participants an opportunity to check their progress and adjust their learning behaviors.

How do you share your learning objectives with your students?

For tips on writing effective objectives, check out Caffeinated Learning: How to Design and Conduct Rich, Robust Professional Learning.

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