Objectives that students can understand

It is important to post objectives in student-friendly language so that students understand what they are supposed to be learning about and practicing. Furthermore, I think it is beneficial for teachers to be able to explain their objectives in non-academic, simple terms. Too often, teachers rely on "eduspeak" that the average student (or parent) does not understand. It is our job to explain these objectives clearly so that all of us understand what we are trying to accomplish.

By writing the objectives on the board, we can keep the students (and ourselves) on track. Sometimes it helps students to know what you are planning to do before you do it, for the same reason that we like to have agendas for staff meetings or a program when we attend plays or musicals. It establishes a little bit of "routine" in the lesson that helps everyone stay focused.