Objectives over Time: A Look at Four Decades of Objectives in the Educational Research Literature

Abstract

While the concept of objectives is widely used in many applied fields of instruction, the systematic derivation and application of objectives for learning and instruction is a key feature of systematic instructional design. However, the treatment of objectives and the terminology surrounding them is sometimes nebulously employed. This article takes a historical look at the terminology around objectives used in the research literature to track changes over time. Data base searchers were conducted using Academic Search Complete, Education Research Complete, and ERIC to identify various terms using nine different objective related terms. Searches were limited to peer-reviewed sources, and restricted by date to include only the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s respectively. Results show that terms with more concrete definitions, such as behavioral objectives, have fallen off markedly, while terms with more operational definitions, such as educational objectives or learning objectives, have gained in currency. Implications for the field of instructional design are discussed.

The representation of curricular spider-web model in the Lesotho curriculum and assessment policy framework

“…Objectives then would be understood as a means of reaching aims, although disparate from aims, as they are more specific and relatively short term. 44 In this way, curriculum developers would be able to differentiate between the two concepts and use aims to inform objectives that would guide the effective enactment of the curriculum. Tyler 33 is insistent on the fact that a clear outline of objectives is paramount in ensuring that educational purposes are accomplished.…”