According to effective instructional guidelines, which step comes first?

• A. Select ideas to support with instructional aids
• B. Organize the material into an outline or lesson plan
• C. Clearly establish the lesson objective
• D. Gather necessary data

Answer: (C)

Establishing a clear lesson objective is a crucial first step in effective instructional design because it provides the foundation for everything that follows. When educators define the objectives, they pinpoint what learners are expected to know or be able to do by the end of the lesson. This clarity not only guides the selection of instructional aids and materials but also ensures that the organization of content aligns with the desired outcomes.

By setting objectives first, the instructor can create a focus for the lesson, which helps in determining the necessary data to gather and how to structure the lesson plan accordingly. Without a clear objective, the subsequent steps may lack direction, making it difficult to choose the appropriate materials and structure the lesson effectively. This groundwork forms the basis for meaningful and targeted instruction.