Learning Goals First, Then Sufficient Evidence Second.

Before teaching anything, it is crucial to determine the learning goals and the type of evidence required to confirm that the learning has occurred. This principle, highlighted by Ralph Tyler in 1949, underpins all educational practices today, emphasizing the importance of being clear about what is to be learned and the evidence that will demonstrate mastery. Tyler emphasized that the order of prioritizing learning goals over assessments is critical. Assessments must align with the learning goals to be effective. For instance, for assessing basic vocabulary knowledge, multiple choice questions are suitable, while evaluating writing skills requires writing tasks. Benjamin Bloom, influenced by Tyler, stressed the significance of first establishing learning goals and then selecting appropriate assessment methods that align with these goals.