Module 2, Assignment 1
Objectives
Question 1: What are some advantages to writing both content and language objectives for students to hear and see?
When content and language objectives are presented to students orally and in writing, students are made aware of the purpose of their learning. At the end of a lesson they should be able to refer back to the content and language standards and determine whether or not they have met their learning goals for that lesson. Echevarria, Vogt, and Short (2008) state that concrete content objectives that identify what students should know and be able to do, guide effective teaching and learning.
Content objectives that follow the appropriate standards, are written in student friendly language and limited to tasks that can be completed in one or two lessons, keep students and teachers on track.
Language objectives that are incorporated with each lesson will help support students' academic language development. Students' language development is developed over time by allowing them to explore and practice the new terminology. When students are given the opportunity to use academic language in small groups, with partners and in speaking and writing, they are able to develop language proficiency at a faster pace.
Content objectives that follow the appropriate standards, are written in student friendly language and limited to tasks that can be completed in one or two lessons, keep students and teachers on track.
Language objectives that are incorporated with each lesson will help support students' academic language development. Students' language development is developed over time by allowing them to explore and practice the new terminology. When students are given the opportunity to use academic language in small groups, with partners and in speaking and writing, they are able to develop language proficiency at a faster pace.
Question 2: How might written objectives affect teacher and student performance in the classroom?
When objectives are presented to students in age appropriate language, they are useful in helping the students determine their mastery of the lesson. Objectives written with active verbs, such as identify, solve, define, or write, help determine student success in more specific terms. Teachers use the objectives as the foundation of the lessons and help teachers and students know what the students should learn. In the video about Lesson Preparation, MaryEllen Vogt (n.d.) explains that using the standards in the SIOP lesson guide teachers in assessing students throughout the lesson to determine if they are grasping the concepts. If they are not, teachers need to adjust their lessons and objectives, reteach, and assess again.
Written objectives for both content and language, act as an assessment of skills and tasks mastered, throughout a lesson.
Written objectives for both content and language, act as an assessment of skills and tasks mastered, throughout a lesson.