Teaching Approach, Instructional Objectives, and Learning
D.P. Hoyt, S. Perera 2000 IDEA Center, Kansas State University
The authors analyzed data from educators that used the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction form (see related website) for teaching evaluation purposes. The analysis focused on what educational objectives instructors chose, what teaching methods they employed, whether there is a correlation between objectives and teaching methods, and whether teaching method makes a difference in student learning. They found that teaching method does, indeed, make a difference. In addition, they raise the question of why lifelong learning skills were identified as essential or important in only 30% of the classes analyzed. They point out that employers' concerns seem not to be reflected significantly in learning objectives.
