Ok, so I have a Hobbit theme going. For some reason when I think of objectives I think of a "mission". Which leads me to think of Bilbo and the Dwarves trying to figure out how to deal with the pesky dragon. Much of the content in this lesson seemed very practical. Setting objectives by using words that focus on what students will be able to do makes sense. Layering these objectives in a way that reflects different degrees or depths of understanding also seems logical.
Yet...I've always struggled with the way that objectives and assessment close off students and teachers from the mystery of learning. I realize that on any journey a person is forced to take this path vs. that one. But how can objectives and forms of assessment prevent us from seeing that there might be other ways to go? That even though we as teachers want students to travel one way, they might discover another way that is important and interesting. How can objectives and assessment remain open to creativity and the insight of others? After all, it was Bilbo's ingenuity and willingness to think outside the box that helped him in his quest.