Summary of Learning Objectives -- A Research-Inspired Odyssey

Summary of "Learning Objectives -- A Research-Inspired Odyssey"

Main Ideas and Concepts:

• Introduction to Learning Objectives:
  • Will Tallheimer introduces himself as a learning consultant, emphasizing his research-based approach to improving learning programs.
  • He highlights the importance of Learning Objectives and their historical context, referencing researcher Ern Rothoff and others who have studied their impact on learning.
• Historical Context:
  • The video discusses the evolution of instructional objectives, starting with Bob Meer's work in the 1960s.
  • A significant study by Hamilton reviewed the effectiveness of Learning Objectives and found that poorly defined objectives could hinder learning.
• Criteria for Instructional Objectives:
  • Meer's three criteria for effective instructional objectives:
    • Performance: What learners should be able to do.
    • Conditions: The conditions under which performance is expected.
    • Criteria: The standards for acceptable performance.
• Research Findings:
  • Rothoff and Billington's study demonstrated that presenting Learning Objectives can sometimes lead to worse learning outcomes for non-targeted information.
  • Learning Objectives can enhance focus but can also detract from learning if not well-defined.
• Mechanism of Learning Objectives:
  • Learning Objectives help focus learners' attention on important aspects of the material, aiding memory retention.
  • The importance of salient wording in Learning Objectives is emphasized—specific and relevant terms enhance learning.
• Alternative Methods for Guiding Attention:
  • The speaker outlines various strategies to guide learner attention beyond traditional objectives:
    • Directing attention verbally.
    • Repetition of key concepts.
    • Making content relevant to learners' lives.
    • Simplifying complex concepts.
    • Using effective design elements in materials.
• Types of Learning Objectives:
  • Differentiation between various types of objectives:
    • Focusing Objectives: For learners to direct their attention.
    • Performance Objectives: What performance is expected.
    • Motivation Objectives: To encourage learner engagement.
    • Instructional Design Objectives: For developers' accountability.
  • Emphasis on not confusing these types of objectives.
• Best Practices for Writing Objectives:
  • Objectives should connect with learners and be engaging.
  • Avoid unnecessary action verbs that may demotivate learners.
  • Use wording that resonates with learners to enhance motivation and understanding.
• Alternative Strategies:
  • The effectiveness of pre-questions is highlighted as a potential alternative to focusing objectives.
  • Limiting the presentation of focusing objectives can make them more impactful when used.

Key Takeaways:

• Learning Objectives can be beneficial but must be crafted carefully to avoid hindering learning.
• Specificity and relevance in wording are crucial.
• There are multiple ways to guide learner attention beyond traditional Learning Objectives.

Speakers and Sources:

• Will Tallheimer - Learning consultant and presenter.
• Ern Rothoff - Learning researcher mentioned for his contributions to the study of Learning Objectives.
• Bob Meer - Historical figure in instructional objectives.
• Hamilton - Researcher who reviewed the effectiveness of Learning Objectives.
• Rothoff and Billington - Researchers whose study is referenced for findings on instructional objectives.

Notable Quotes

— 10:00 — « Oh my, the parts of instructional design tradition are crumbling, crumbling, crumbling. »

— 14:21 — « It's damn silly to force the use of action verbs. Remember the words like list, describe, explain? You don't have to use those because they're not salient. »

— 14:49 — « It is absolutely ridiculous that over time we forced ourselves with these ridiculous action verbs. Oh my goodness, it drives me nuts. »

— 15:24 — « Remember that prequestions can be as powerful as learning objectives. »

Category

Educational

Video