http://www.clarion.edu/academic/wc/handoutedgoals.htm
What is a goal?
A goal identifies the general outcome(s) of a lesson.
What is an objective?
An objective identifies the specifics of what the learner should know, understand, and/or able to do at the end of the lesson. The objective must be a measurable or observable outcome.
Two Important Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing a Goal or Objective:
1. What do I want my students to know, understand, or be able to do after the lesson or unit is completed? (goal)
2. How will I determine or measure what the students know, understand, or can do? (objective).
The language used when writing goals needs to be general. Below are a few examples of possible verbs that could be used in general statements.
Example of a Goal:
The students will understand the process of photosynthesis.
Two Approaches to Writing Goals and Objectives
Mager's Behavioral Approach:
Mager's approach is one of the most common techniques used when writing objectives for lesson plans.
A=A udience (learners)
B=B ehavior (learning task)
C=C ontent (content knowledge for the objective)
C=C ondition (restriction-What will the students be given? Materials?)
D=D egree (criterion)
Example:
The students will write a complete sentence given a subject, verb, and direct
object with no mistakes
Gronlund's Approach:
Gronlund's approach to writing objectives is somewhat different than those used in Mager's Approach. Instead of using the word “objective,” Gronlund refers to the objective as specific behavior (what the learner should know, understand, and/or be able to do at the end of the lesson).
Example:
Goal: Know the fifty states in the United States and their capitals.
Specific Behaviors 1. Label each of the fifty states on a map.
or Objectives: 2. Name each state capital.
There is no Audience, Criterion, or Degree required in Gronlund's Approach!!!
