Make learning objectives learner-centered, active, observable and specific

[richelbilderbeek]

Go over them and improve.

[richelbilderbeek]

I've checked in with ChatGPT on how to improve the learning objectives from https://uppmax.github.io/programming_formalisms/monday_intro/. I think this works nicely and I will update mine! Here a prompt and reply:

How would you improve the following learning objectives to follow the SOLO guidelines (or Bloom's taxonomy) better?

    get an introduction to the week
    get introduction to concepts used in the course
    understand
    get introduction to handy tools for the software developer
    try to set up the mindset to find the rest of the week interesting and useful!
    Practice to start projects in Git and GitHub
    Practice using basic git commands
    Practice in project analysis and design

Comment on each line individually. Give references to the academic pedagogical literature per suggestion.

To improve the learning objectives to align with the SOLO (Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes) taxonomy or Bloom's Taxonomy, we need to make them more specific and align them with higher-order cognitive skills. Here are the revised objectives:

    "Get an introduction to the week":
        Revised Objective: Identify the main topics and objectives for the week's lessons.
        Reference: Biggs, J., & Collis, K. (2014). Constructive alignment in university teaching. HERDSA.

    "Get an introduction to concepts used in the course":
        Revised Objective: Define the fundamental concepts introduced in the course and explain their significance in software development.
        Reference: Krathwohl, D. R. (2002). A revision of Bloom's taxonomy: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(4), 212-218.

    "Understand":
        Revised Objective: Explain the core principles and theories underlying software development concepts covered in the course.
        Reference: Anderson, L. W., Krathwohl, D. R., & Bloom, B. S. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives. Longman.

    "Get an introduction to handy tools for the software developer":
        Revised Objective: Compare and contrast various software development tools and justify their relevance to specific development tasks.
        Reference: Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. John Wiley & Sons.

    "Try to set up the mindset to find the rest of the week interesting and useful!":
        Revised Objective: Evaluate the importance of engaging with course content and identify strategies to maintain interest and motivation throughout the week.
        Reference: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

    "Practice to start projects in Git and GitHub":
        Revised Objective: Demonstrate the ability to initiate and manage a software development project using Git and GitHub.
        Reference: Bonwell, C. C., & Eison, J. A. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Reports.

    "Practice using basic git commands":
        Revised Objective: Execute basic Git commands to perform version control tasks and manage project repositories effectively.
        Reference: Bloom, B. S., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. David McKay Company.

    "Practice in project analysis and design":
        Revised Objective: Apply analytical and design techniques to plan and conceptualize software development projects effectively.
        Reference: Merrill, M. D. (2002). First principles of instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development, 50(3), 43-59.

These revisions provide clearer guidance on the expected learning outcomes and encourage higher-order thinking skills in alignment with established educational taxonomies.

[bclaremar]

Superb! Thanks so much. I accept these (with minor modifications probably)

I hope this will help me better formulating the Friday goals as well!

[richelbilderbeek]

I need to go through this again too ...

[richelbilderbeek]

Course is running, closing this Issue now.