Eberly Center

Performing Learning Objectives: Strategies for Improving Student Engagement in Learning

Goss, M.

The merits of “learning objectives” or outcomes (LOs) are well-established. While learning objectives are central to course designers, how aware are students of the goals their instructors have for their learning? Undergraduate students in particular often struggle to “see the point” of what is being taught in class, which can leave instructors feeling frustrated about how to articulate course rational and help students learn. Could more explicit engagement with the learning objectives improve their performance? This lighting-talk teaching showcase will explore how giving students an opportunity to practice their understanding of LOs could improve learning. The speaker, who teaches undergraduate writing courses, will share specific strategies for facilitating active engagement with LOs, including early course goal-setting, draft reflections, and in-class activities designed to establish milestones and plan for future tasks. Participants will leave with a range of low and high stakes strategies they could implement in their own teaching contexts.

Maggie Goss, English DC