What should be the instructor's first consideration in planning instructional activities?

In planning instructional activities, the overall objectives and standards serve as the foundation upon which all instructional strategies are built. These objectives help to define what students need to know and be able to do by the end of the lesson or course. Establishing clear objectives ensures that the instructor has a defined endpoint to guide the flow of the lesson, allowing for a structured approach in presenting material and engaging students.

By focusing first on the objectives and standards, the instructor can then tailor the activities to meet those goals effectively. This includes selecting appropriate teaching materials, aligning student interests to maximize engagement, and determining the lesson's duration to ensure all necessary content is covered comprehensively. Overall, starting with well-defined objectives and standards ensures that all subsequent decisions in lesson planning are intentional and serve educational purposes.