When
writing measurable objectives it is important to know how you plan
to assess whether the objectives have been met. Traditionally educators
have planned curriculum and instruction by planning the activities
before planning assessment. A more powerful model is to plan assessment
at the same time you plan your objectives. By considering what assessment
strategies you will use to measure content learning and understanding
up front in the planning process, you are assuring that your objectives
will be met. It is important to consider multiple assessment strategies
and measures. Some examples are normed reference tests, teacher made
tests, checklists, rubrics, portfolios, charts of what students know,
want to learn, and actually do learn, projects, journals, and essays.
Finally,
when writing a measurable objective consider what students will do
to meet the objective.
Will
students work independently, with a partner or in a group?
If students are to work in collaborative groups, how many students
will be in each group and how will groups be chosen?
What tasks will be done in the classroom, and what tasks will be
done elsewhere?
How often and where will students work on the project?
How long will this project take?
Who will determine what is to be learned and who will measure the
outcome?
