The terms “goals” and “objectives” are used interchangeably but in fact, they do connote different things. Particularly in the context of teaching and learning, it is important to differentiate between goals and objectives. Goals refer to broad end results, whereas objectives tend to be more specific (Norman, 2017). Thus, a learner may have a goal of improving patient care, with the learning objectives being to reduce medical errors by fifty percent. Another key difference between goals and objectives is that the latter can and should be framed in measurable or quantitative ways. Goals do not need to be measurable and can in fact be personal or even emotional in nature, whereas objectives do need to be concrete. For example, a goal might be to master the new informatics system, and the specific learning objectives would be to input three hundred new data points into a particular information management system.
Using the Texas Textbook Evaluation Tool (T-TET)
Used especially to evaluate nursing textbooks, the Texas Textbook Evaluation Tool (T-TET) has become a sort of gold standard. Using the T-TET to assess the Bastable (2014) text provides a useful opportunity to apply this tool:
1. General Information: Bastable, S. B. (2014). Nurse as educator: Principles of teaching and learning for...
Boston: Jones & Bartlett.
2. Organizational format: Total points: 48. This book does an excellent job of dividing the information into several sections and sub-sections, and includes clear and comprehensive chapter summaries. The reading level is appropriate, the format is visually appealing, and the indexing function works well. The information is also accurate and current.
3. Content: Total Points: 21. This book does include several real-life applications, examples that illuminate the core concepts in the text. Similarly, the information contained in the text is clearly formatted, written, and explained well. The lessons are interdisciplinary, and all visuals are integrated into the text and meaningful. There are some activities, just enough to make the text suitable for its audience.
4. Teacher Edition/Supplementary Materials: n/a
5. Inclusion/Diversity Issues: Total Points: 27. This book does a good job of recognizing diversity and uses appropriate language and images.
Sample Teaching Plan
Goal: Master the new catheter being used
Objectives: Student will be able to properly insert the new…
