Accomplish the Objective--Criteria

Introduction

Anybody who has been in any kind of schooling has experienced classes where every element of any activity / project has been carefully thought out and structured by the instructor. Traditionally (and currently), the “creativity” exhibited by such an instructor has been lauded. For example, comments such as the following may be uttered with great esteem:

·  “What a CREATIVE Instructor!”

·  “What a THINKER!”

·  “Such UNIQUE IDEAS!”

·  “Excellent PROBLEM SOLVER!”

·  “This instructor must be really LEARN--ED!”

All of these comments seem REALLY GREAT until the following questions are raised:

·  “Did the STUDENTS have the opportunity to learn based on their unique learning styles?”

·  “Did the STUDENTS exhibit their own creative ability?”

·  “Did the STUDENTS think? Come up with unique ideas?”

·  “Did the STUDENTS become better problem solvers?”

·  “Did the STUDENTS learn anything significant? Something they were interested in?”

·  “Did the STUDENTS become LEARN—ED?”

How these questions are answered often shows the “focus” of any course. It should be somewhat obvious that THE LEARNING OF THE STUDENTS should be the primary reason for the existence of ANY COURSE. However, even without purposeful intent, this isn’t always the case.

Purpose

The purpose of “Accomplish the Objective” is to have each student accomplish or meet select course objectives. The course objectives (found in your course syllabus) are the foundation for any course offered at UW-Stout. Usually, the instructor makes the decision on how the student(s) should meet the objectives. Decisions such as use of methods and evaluation are made exclusively by the instructor. This will not be the case with “Accomplish the Objective.” Instead, collaboration will occur between the instructor and the student(s) to determine the “means-to-the-end” (accomplishment of the course objective). The ultimate “outcomes” in this activity would be things that are considered “unwritten” objectives in ALL courses:

·  Learning that is meaningful and related to a preferred learning style.

·  More opportunity for individual creativity and thought.

·  Better problem-solving opportunities.

·  More choice.


Procedures

The following is a suggested process (See the ATO Proposal Template):

  1. Select official course objectives will be identified by the course instructor (See your course syllabus).
  2. Students (individual and/or team) will brainstorm method and evaluation processes to accomplish the objective(s).
  3. Students (individual and/or team) will then propose their method and evaluation ideas to the course instructor.
  4. With the guidance of the course instructor, students (individual and/or team) will draft a final proposal (See the Proposal Template) that will meet the course objective(s).
  5. Both the student(s) and the course instructor will then contract to accomplish the objective(s).

1

Updated on August 7th, 2006

Evan Sveum