Learner Objectives – Describe the expected learner outcomes in behavioral terms that are attainable, can be evaluated, and are relevant to the practice of massage as defined in Chapter 480, Florida Statutes.
Tip: Learner objectives are what the student will be able to do once the course is finished. Student behaviors are steps learners actually do in order to learn or know. Some examples of these steps are: define, name, discuss, explain, distinguish, reconstruct, identify, state, contrast and compare, list, point out, outline, apply, write, perform, debate, research, etc.
Subject Matter – Adjacent to each objective, outline the subject matter that corresponds to the objective. Content should be current, accurate, and in logical order. Document the currency and accuracy of subject matter with references/bibliography.
Tip: Subject matter is what you are trying to teach. Each subject may be broken down to smaller sub parts. Each learner outcome must be matched with just one subject. References should then be listed for each subject taught. For example, if the learner objectives are “define research”, “discuss types of research”, and “explain the scientific method.” Research literacy would be the subject matter and “Massage Therapy Principles and Practice”, 4th Edition by Susan G. Salvo as the reference citation.
Teaching Method – How will you, the instructor, convey the information being presented to the learner?
Tip: Will you lecture or demonstrate? Will the student read a book chapter? How will you utilize principles of adult education? Do you know your students’ individual learning styles? Your teaching methodology should include addressing the auditory learner, kinesthetic learner, and the visual learner.