Final answer:
Two critical elements in establishing instructional control are maintaining student engagement and setting clear learning objectives, which are essential for optimizing learning outcomes and ensuring that students take an active role in the learning process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two critical elements involved in establishing instructional control are maintaining student engagement and setting clear learning objectives. When designing any educational content, whether it be a classroom lesson or an online course module, the instructor's guide plays a pivotal role in ensuring these elements are effectively addressed to optimize learning outcomes.
The first critical element, student engagement, underscores the importance of capturing and sustaining students' attention. It is through engagement that students become actively involved in the learning process. Various pedagogical strategies can be implemented to enhance engagement such as interactive activities, real-world examples, and multimedia resources.
The second essential element is the establishment of clear and measurable learning objectives. These objectives provide students with a compass for what they are expected to learn and can be assessed upon completion. Instructors should aim to create objectives that are concise and aligned with Bloom's taxonomy, ensuring that they are capable of evaluating the depth and complexity of students' understanding.
Ultimately, instructional control is about creating an educational environment where both instructors and secondary aspects like technology play supportive roles, emphasizing that the true focus is the learners' mastery of content as established by well-defined objectives and fostered engagement.