[Hamsa Sheta]

Learning aims are considered the big umbrella of which learning objectives stem from. A learning aim is big and broad and mainly sums up what the teacher plans to work on during the session. Whereas the learning objectives are clear precise statements explaining exactly what the students are going to be achieving by the end of the session, including all the steps, the materials, activities, tools and assessments the teacher is intending to use throughout the session. Learning objectives should always be S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound). Understanding the SMART criteria, while having the Bloom’s taxonomy in mind is essential for creating effective learning objectives, especially when working with young learners like kindergarteners as the generated learning objectives will fall mainly under the Remembering and Understanding.

Example:

Learning Aim for KG students: To learn about the letter S.

SMART Learning Objective Related to the Aim:

• Specific: Students will recognize both the uppercase “S” and lowercase “s” and name the letter and sound when shown on flashcards.
• Measurable: Success will be determined when 10 out of 15 students correctly identifying the name and sound of letter S in at least 4 out of 5 attempts during a flashcard quiz.
• Attainable: focusing on one letter throughout the week, with varied activities, makes this goal attainable.
• Relevant: Learning the name and sound of the letter S contributes to building early literacy skills essential for future learning.
• Time-Bound: This objective aims for achievement by the end of a one-week focused learning unit on the letter S, with daily short activities incorporated into the schedule, like flash cards, interactive games, tracing activities, stories.

[Hamsa Sheta]

Both ADDIE and ASSURE are main instructional design models used to create effective learning experiences. A key similarity is their structured, sequential nature, providing a clear outline for designers and educators to follow from conception to evaluation of the learning process. The primary difference lies in their scope and focus; ADDIE is a broad process (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) applicable to almost any learning context, exactly like the Bird’s-eye view. In contrast, ASSURE is a more specific model designed for integrating technology and media into the instructional setting. The ASSURE acronym guides the selection and use of these resources (Analyze Learners, State Objectives, Select media and materials, Utilize media and materials, Require learner participation, Evaluate and revise). Consequently, ASSURE can be seen as a more practical adaptation of the ADDIE principles, with a dedicated focus on the learner and the purposeful use of technology. From a teacher’s experience, the ASSURE model is more convenient to use in today’s fast moving AI-powered world. Stemming from a Montessori background, the ASSURE model pays attention to the learner and the individualized differences in learning, which is specifically similar to the Montessori method which is focused on the child’s needs (Analyze Learners, and Require Learner Participation steps in the ASSURE model) and how the environment should be prepared and tailored to meet those needs and refine the learner’s development through the usage of materials from the surrounding environment (Select and Utilize Methods, Media, & Materials steps of ASSURE).

[Hamsa Sheta]

Zina, I have been wanting to express how much I love your answers since the very first session; you are always precise and you usually offer new perspectives every session.

[Hamsa Sheta]

Amira, I love how you were accurate and paid attention to specifying even the time of the session.

[Hamsa Sheta]

I, as well, believe that today’s world needs the ASSURE model as it is more interactive and detailed than the ADDIE model, which is more general and a bit outdated when it comes to today’s learning styles.

[Author]

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