Instruction of a process objective can take several forms. Although it is designed to teach people to diagnose a problem in the process, this type of objective can offer an exciting alternative simply to teach how a system works.
How to Write a Brief Introduction for an Objective
A brief introduction to an objective should have these characteristics:
•Relates the current objective content to what has just been learned.
•Orients the students to what is coming in the segment.
•Motivates the learner by establishing relevance and purpose for learning the material.
Here's an example of a brief introduction to an objective:
In the last segment you became familiar with all of the features and components of the DOP Pentrometer. Now it's time to start using the meter. This segment will cover the first important activity: Calibrating the meter. It is vital to properly calibrate the meter to be sure your are getting accurate readings.
 Note that the introduction is very brief and to the point, while still exhibiting the three components of an introduction: orientation to what was taught before; brief overview of what is coming, and a motivating statement, in this case based on why it is important to learn the material.
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How to Write a Main Idea for a Process Objective
To write a main idea for a "Use Process" objective:
First, write a lead-in statement that introduces the process. The lead-in statement should name the process, and match the objective as closely as possible.
For example, for this use process type objective:
"Diagnose a problem in an automobile engine cooling system"
the lead-in statement would be something like this:
When operating normally, the automobile engine cooling system process is as follows.
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Identify each step or stage of the process, including the name of the stage, action, causative agent and result, in the proper sequence.
For example, each step or stage of the automobile engine cooling process would be:
1.When the engine is turned on, the water pump moves water in the system through the hoses to the thermostat. 2.When the water reaches the thermostat, the thermostat opens a valve to adjust the flow of water according to its temperature. Cool water causes the valve to open less, constricting flow. Warm water causes it to open more, increasing the flow. 3.The water travels to the engine block where it circulates around the engine, absorbing its heat The absorption of heat by the water cools the engine. 4.The heated water is then carried to the radiator, where the water is separated into many core tubes. The separate core tubes allow the moving air to absorb the engine heat, cooling the water. 5.The now cooler water is then pumped back through the thermostat which continues to adjust the flow according to the water temperature, maintaining the proper operating temperature of the engine. |
To show the process in the lesson, use whatever seems most appropriate for the situation, including such methods as a list, a step action table, an annotated diagram, or flow chart.
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A "Step Action Table" showing the engine cooling process would look like this:
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Cause
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Action
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Result
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Engine turned on
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Water pump (A) moves water in the system through the hose (B) to the thermostat (C).
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Water reaches thermostat
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Water reaches thermostat
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Thermostat opens a valve to adjust the flow of water according to its temperature.
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Cool: open less
Warm: open more
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water reaches engine block (D)
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Water circulates around the engine, absorbing its heat.
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Water cools the engine
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Hot water reaches radiator (E)
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Water is separated into many core tubes, exposed to cool air as automobile moves forward.
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Water cools
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Cool water hits thermostat
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Continue s t o adjust the low according to the water temperature.
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Maintains proper operating temperature
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An annotated diagram to illustrate a process would look something like this:
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Don't include any elaboration.
The main idea (critical characteristics) contains all of the information needed for most learners in the target audience to meet the objective. It does not include elaboration or details. Those will come later, in the explanation and examples.
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How to Write an Explanation for a Process Objective
Here are some suggestions for the explanation component of your use process objective:
Clarify the function or characteristics of any critical component in the process.
Explain the role or characteristics of a component if it is fundamental to understanding the process. For example, in the automobile engine cooling process, it is important the learner understand how the thermostat regulates temperature by adjusting the flow of water through the engine. So, explain how the thermostat works, and its role in the process.
Emphasize the action agents for each activity.
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Point out any common glitches or unusual events in the process; what causes them, how they effect the outcome.
Some processes are interrupted or foiled by common problems For the automobile engine cooling process, you might point out glitches like these:
•If the thermostat sticks, too much coolant might flow through the system, preventing the engine from reaching the correct operating temperature. A stuck thermostat might also fail shut, causing an insufficient amount of water to flow through the system, resulting in overheating. •If the radiator gets clogged, the water will not flow through the system, causing the engine to overheat. For example: In older cars, the engine block can rust, restricting the flow of water through the system, resulting in overheating. This is difficult to detect at first, since the usual procedure of flushing the radiator does not help.
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Explain not only what happens, but why.
Explain why the process, or any part of the process works the way it does. For example:
The radiator cools the water by distributing it through small tubes, rather than in one large pipe. This way, more air can contact the tubes, cooling the water faster. It's the same principle that allows a thin hamburger to cook a lot quicker than a thick one.
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Use graphics, photographs, actual equipment or other aids as needed to highlight details of the process flow.
For example, this graphic to highlights details that will help learners understand how the process really works:
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How to Develop Examples for a Process Objective
Here are some suggestions of using examples for a use process objective.
Show a full range of the normally functioning process, including normal variations.
For example, you could show a diagram of the automobile engine cooling process in three stages, with water temperature indications at each stage:
1.At cold start, showing very cool temperature water, and consequently, very little flow. 2.At normal operating temperature, with warm water and a moderate flow. 3.At abnormally high ambient temperature, with very hot water temperature and lots of flow. |
Examples of the process showing a problem, or abnormal variation.
For example, show the automobile engine process where something covers the radiator, like a piece of cardboard or other road debris. Illustrate how this affects the next step of the process, such as preventing the water from cooling.
For a problem or abnormal variation, explain how the problem manifests itself, how it affects the process, and how it was caused by events at an earlier stage of the process.
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Be sure the examples cover every stage or event in the process.
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Provide detailed help to point out critical aspects of the process.
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Be sure the objectives conform with the conditions of the objective.
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How to Develop Practice for a Process Objective
Here are two ways you can provide challenging practice for a use process objective:
•Provide learners with details about specific events in the process and ask them to forecast what normal, or abnormal results would occur.
•Provide examples of glitches or variant events and ask them to identify the possible cause.
Either way, your practice section should:
•Increase the difficulty of the practice questions to challenge the learner's understanding.
Provide general instructions to the student (or to the instructor, if the practice will be administered by an instructor) for how to carry out the practice. Instructions should include things like: where to get equipment, how to use the lesson guide, and who to see for help.
Start the practice instructions with a clear statement of what the learner will do in the practice.
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Be sure to describe the expected outcomes so that the student can tell if they are on the right track at every step.
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Provide several different practice exercises to cover the range of instances required to ensure the student understands the objective and can apply it in the range of circumstances likely to be encountered.
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Provide feedback after every instance or repetition. Practice without feedback is practically useless!
Include feedback after each question that explains "why". Explain why the objective, or any part of the objective, works the way it does.
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