An aim is a general statement, which attempts to give bothshape and direction to a set of more detailed intentions for the future. Theyare not so specific as objectives. Also, they are usually written in terms ofwhat the trainer or teacher will do, rather than what the learners will do(objectives), by the end of the course.
Aims are sometimes broken down into long-term, medium-termand short-term aims. Aims ultimately give rise to more specific statements –these are the objectives or learning outcomes.
Why are aims necessary?
Everyone has broad aims. A simple example is what someoneintends to do on a particular day, e.g. ‘I am to finish preparing my notes fortomorrow’s teaching session’. An educational programme will also have an overallaim, in order to provide shape and direction. If a teaching programme is verybig, then there will probably be a stated aim for each subject area in acourse. There may even be an aim for each particular lesson or session orteaching session.
There is a lot of discussion about whether aims are needed atall. Some trainers feel that the objectives are all that is needed. Othersbelieve, however, that aims are required precisely because they guide thepreparation of the objectives. Still others say that, if your aims are goodenough, there is no need to be more specific when planning. Systematic plannersusually develop objectives from the stated aims to a high level of specificity.Those using the process approach often feel happy only with aims.
Setting aims – an example
How specific should aims be? Some trainers believe that aimsshould be very general, whilst others would set ‘long-term’, ‘medium-term’ and‘short-term’ aims.
When developing a curriculum, aims can be written atdifferent levels. For example, there may be one or several aims for a course.This course may be made up of subjects for which aims may also be written.Individual lessons or training sessions are also likely to be based onparticular aims.
For example:
AIM OF EDUCATION (national level)
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AIM OF AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE EDUCATION (institutional level)
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AIM OF SUBJECT - AGROFORESTRY
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AIM OF UNIT - CROP-SOIL INTERACTIONS
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AIM OF LESSON - SOIL PREPARATION
Example :AIM of a course for farmers on trees for soil conservation
To provide the necessary knowledge and skills tofarmers so that they can manage agroforestry trees and technologies for soilconservation purposes while at the same time improve their crop yields.
