Here are ten differences between aims and objectives in the context of English language teaching (ELT), with examples:
1.
Definition
- Aim: A
broad, general statement of what is intended to be achieved in the long
term.
- Example:
To help students achieve fluency in spoken English.
- Objective:
A specific, measurable outcome that contributes to achieving the aim.
- Example:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to use five new
expressions for making polite requests in conversation.
2.
Scope
- Aim:
Covers the overarching purpose of the course or program.
- Example:
To improve students' overall communication skills in English.
- Objective:
Focuses on a narrow, precise aspect of learning.
- Example:
To teach students how to use past tense verbs correctly in written
sentences.
3.
Time Frame
- Aim:
Long-term and often extends over a course or semester.
- Example:
To prepare students for the IELTS exam.
- Objective:
Short-term, usually specific to a single lesson or unit.
- Example:
To enable students to write a 250-word essay under timed conditions.
4.
Measurability
- Aim:
Difficult to measure directly; qualitative in nature.
- Example:
To develop students' confidence in speaking English.
- Objective:
Easily measurable through assessments or observations.
- Example:
Students will correctly answer 8 out of 10 comprehension questions based
on a given text.
5.
Focus
- Aim:
Centers on the "why" of teaching.
- Example:
To foster a love for reading English literature.
- Objective:
Centers on the "what" and "how" of teaching.
- Example:
To teach students to identify themes in a short story.
6.
Audience Understanding
- Aim: Broad
and may be harder for students to relate to directly.
- Example:
To enhance intercultural communication skills through English.
- Objective:
Concrete and easily understood by students.
- Example:
To practice using modal verbs for expressing obligation in role-play
scenarios.
7.
Flexibility
- Aim:
Open-ended and adaptable to different contexts.
- Example:
To improve students’ English proficiency for academic purposes.
- Objective:
Rigid and specific, guiding the activities within the lesson.
- Example:
Students will practice summarizing a paragraph in their own words.
8.
Alignment
- Aim:
Aligns with institutional or program goals.
- Example:
To equip students with skills for global communication in English.
- Objective:
Aligns with lesson plans and specific activities.
- Example:
To teach students to differentiate between formal and informal
expressions in emails.
9.
Evaluation
- Aim:
Evaluated indirectly, often through general observations or surveys.
- Example:
Assessing students' overall confidence in public speaking.
- Objective:
Evaluated directly through tasks or tests.
- Example:
Conducting a quiz on synonyms and antonyms.
10.
Relation to Teaching Methods
- Aim:
Influences the selection of overarching teaching methods and approaches.
- Example:
Incorporating communicative language teaching to enhance fluency.
- Objective:
Guides the design of specific lesson activities.
- Example:
Planning a group discussion to practice using idiomatic expressions.
Summary
Aims focus on broader, long-term intentions, while objectives
break these down into smaller, actionable, and measurable steps. In ELT, both
are essential for structured and effective teaching.
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