What should instructors prioritize when designing a learning activity?

Instructors should prioritize specific learning objectives and student needs when designing a learning activity because this focus ensures that the instruction is aligned with what students are expected to learn and how they can best achieve those learning outcomes. By starting with clear objectives, instructors can create a structured approach that directly addresses what is important for the students’ development and understanding.

Understanding student needs allows instructors to tailor the content, methods, and materials to fit the learners’ backgrounds, skills, and learning styles, thus enhancing engagement and effectiveness. This alignment between objectives and student characteristics fosters a more productive learning environment, where students feel supported and are more likely to succeed.

While ease of understanding for instructors, aesthetic appeal of materials, and consideration of the time of day may have their place in the planning process, they do not take precedence over the fundamental requirement to meet educational goals and address the diverse needs of learners.