Curriculum Goals and Objectives

As I sat in a meeting tonight I wondered why the conversation was so scattered. Comments from those in the meeting, although intelligent and well thought out, were often unrelated to one another. Intelligent as they were, I could not tell if some were even related to the topic at hand. I remembered what I had read in Developing the Curriculum: "there is undoubtedly a positive relationship between a teacher's clarity of instructional goals and the quality of his teaching". We were not necessarily being taught in this meeting, but a facilitator stood at the front of the room as we brought ideas together. The poor quality in communication amongst those contributing stemmed from the lack of initial direction. It was evident from the comments that people were unclear of our goal and objectives. In fact, it was unclear as to which we should be discussing: goals, objectives or both. It was very fitting that I was able to experience the confusion brought about by lack of direction during the same week that I read about the need for clear curricular orientation.

Oliva explained the difference between goals and objectives best when he wrote, "The curriculum objectives refine the curriculum goal". The more I think about the specifics required for writing curriculum objectives, the more I can see the need for validation. Although I may see the needs of the school curriculum one way, there are other involved parties who will certainly have beneficial insights (e.g. parents, teachers, administrators). I must say, I am often nervous around percentage goals because I fear that numbers neglect the individual circumstances that befall the individual student and the classroom. I can, however, see how they are an effective motivator.

On a completely different subject, I had to write my Philosophy of Education in an education course during my Freshman year of Undergrad work. I think I still have it saved on a disk somewhere, so I plan on pulling it out this week. It'll be interesting to see how much my perspectives have changed since then. I am already curious about what differences there may be. Why have I changed? Were the changes for the better? Have I become more cynical? More realistic? Then I must ask myself, "How much will I change over the next few years?" What will cause the change? Is change good, bad, or necessary to meet the needs of different situations? It'll definitely be interesting to read my previous Philosophy of Ed.