For those still unclear about aims and objectives it might be worth watching this short 3 minute video
of a group of tutors discussing the difference as part of a sharing good practice workshop.The difference between 'Product' and 'Process' Objectives also caused some confusion, so I have included the table (used in my Powerpoint) that contrasted the difference. I would also like to signpost you to chapter 5 of Reece and Walker (2007), that covers the topic in much more detail. The key difference is that with product objectives you are looking for something very concrete and results are likely to be similar from group to group. Where with process objectives the outcome is more open ended and open to interpretation and the outcome could be potentially different from group to group.
Key features of the Product and Process models
Product model
Concentrates on the output i.e. the end or terminal behaviour, the end product
Students tend to learn very similar things
The teaching and learning are seen as a means to an end
Learning is observable or measurable
Outcomes are predictable
Content important and dominant
Process Model
Concentrates on the learning experiences and student activities
Students may learn very different things because the experiences are individually interpreted
The teaching and learning activities are seen as inherently worthwhile
Learning may not be observable or measurable
Outcomes may be unpredictable
Content not so important
