EDTECH 503: Module 04 Reflection

In this weeks module the focus was centered towards the alignment of the learning objectives with the assessment of the desired learning outcomes. This concept is a key component in linking and evaluating the learners in relationship to their meeting the learning objectives of the desired tasks. The focus here is to assess the learning outcomes and not the instruction or the instructor. One of the key parts of this step of instructional design is to associate the learning objective to Bloom’s Taxonomy of Classification and identifying the format of assessment, the test form, and then giving a sample item for the learning objective that is being evaluated. By going through this process, the instructional designer attaches the learning objectives with the assessments to meet the desired learning outcomes of the desired overarching learning goal. This is an essential step in the the process of instructional design.

This module has allowed me to to have some solid and concrete reflection in how my learning objectives need to be closely connected to my assessments regardless of instructional plans. This reminds me of previous professional development that I have had on instructional design. It it always essential to design instruction with the end in mind, working from the objectives and assessment  first, and then towards the instruction. This idea is and can be called backward design. Even though I am familiar with this portion of instructional design it has been very valuable to look in more detail at the individual steps involved in this process. Taking this concept and connecting it to the verbiage of Bloom’s Taxonomy with the specific form of assessment and sample item is an important delineating step of instructional design.

The learning that I have had during this module will allow me in the future to reflect and spend time on really looking at my desired outcomes and asking myself what do I really want my audience to be able to accomplish at the end of instruction. It is easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind of delivery of instruction and lose site of the desired learning goals and outcomes that you want to achieve. By focusing on the end, the instruction will be better developed and focused toward authentic student learning of the desired learning goal.