Writing Clear Practicum Goals

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Goal & Objective Review

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WHAT IS A GOAL? A goal is a broad or abstract statement of

what is to occur… A goal describes what is to happen or tells

the big picture of a unit or topic of study For example, a Content Goal may include

learning a science concept such as weather

Goal & Objective Review

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3 COMPONENTS OF A GOAL

Given a learning plan of ____ lessons on _________, students will be able to (Bloom’s verb) _____________ by __________________________.

1. Condition: Establishes context by specifying or identifying a timeline, a subject area, tools or requirements to complete the goal, etc.

For example: Given a learning plan of ____ lessons on__________...

2. Task: Explains what the students will be able to do or defines the what that the student will be expected to complete in order to accomplish the goal. The task is the verb in the goal statement:

For example: Students will (be able to)…apply– organize– solve, etc. Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs list (handout in Session 3 Resource Folder)

is a useful source of verbs for goal statements 3. Measurement: Defines how you will know if the goal has been

achieved. You must be able to see, feel or touch the outcome in order for it to be effectively measured by a second person. The measurement must show whether or not the goal has been achieved

For example: …by drawing… – by writing… – by stating…etc.

Goal & Objective Review

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Example: Content Goal Given a learning plan of 3 lessons on the

life cycle of a frog, students will describe the stages of the life cycle by drawing a chart that illustrates the life cycle of a frog.

“LEARNING PLAN” GOALS

Notice that the content goal is broad. The condition is discussing the “life cycle of a frog…,” the task states “describe the stages...,” & the measurement is “by drawing a chart…” At this point, the condition or task, measurement are not specific. They merely state “what” is to be done in a broad or abstract manner.

Writing Clear Practicum Objectives

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Goal & Objective Review

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WHAT IS AN OBJECTIVE? An objective is a specific statement that

directly supports the Learning Plan Content Goal

An objective describes specifically “how” the “Learning Plan Goal/s” is to be achieved and how the learner is to complete the action or accomplish the Learning Plan Goal

Goal & Objective Review

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A LESSON OBJECTIVEExample: Content Objective Given a learning plan of 3 lessons on the life cycle of

a frog, students will describe what occurs in the first stage of the life cycle of a frog by drawing a chart that explains the first stage of the life cycle of a frog.

Notice that the content objective is specific and directly supports the Learning Plan Content Goal. The condition is discussing the “ life cycle of a frog…”, the task states “describe what occurs in the first stage...”, and the measurement is “by drawing a chart that explains the first stage…” The condition, or task measurement, is specific. They state “how” the student will accomplish learning about the life cycle of a frog.

Goal & Objective Review

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A LESSON OBJECTIVEExample: Language Objective Given a learning plan of 3 lessons on the life cycle of a frog,

students will underline the phonemes in eleven vocabulary words (egg, tadpole, metamorph, frog, suction cups, webbed feet, hard spur, and spines) about the first stage of the life cycle of a frog.

Lesson content and language objectives have a different task and measurement.

Lesson Objectives can share the same “Condition” as the goal statement being supported.

Notice that the language objective is specific. The condition is discussing the “life cycle of a frog,” the task states “underline the

phonemes...,” & the measurement is “in eleven vocabulary words…” The language measurement focuses on phonology. At this point, the condition, task, or measurement of the language

goal are specific.