As mentioned in an earlier post, Roger Chevalier suggested that the audience take a look at Robert F. Mager’s work. So, I did a little digging and found his book Preparing Instructional Objectives: A critical tool in the development of effective instruction, Third Edition is available through the Vancouver Public Library’s 24×7 ebook service.
Mager’s purpose was to help the reader identify the contents of a well-constructed objective. For example, differentiating between:
- Process and outcome (To thread a needle is a process whereas a garment is the outcome)
- Specific and general (Reassemble the watch is specific whereas being competent is general)
- Measurable and not measurable (Be able to smile when meeting guests is measurable whereas understanding the nuances of social graces is not measurable)
- Student and instructor perspective (A student will be asked to draw a cartoon character whereas an instructor will conduct a lecture on the theory of animation)
He also discusses the 3 characteristics of useful objectives (performance, conditions and criterion) at length and gives examples of pitfalls and ‘barnacles’ that hinder stating instructional objectives clearly and succinctly.
His humor and practicality shine through many of his examples. He says, “To wonder why we should care about instructional objectives is like wondering why we should know:
- Where we’re going before buying a bus ticket
- What we’re intending to manufacture before turning on the factory
- Whom we intend to hit before throwing the pie”
For anyone who needs a little refresher on writing instructional objectives or has an interest in developing coursework, this book is worth reviewing. It’s entertaining, informative, and, if you’re a member of the Vancouver Library, available 24×7.
