Why set goals? I feel like this is an important topic to discuss, especially as a future teacher. Teaching students how to set goals is really important as it helps students with motivation, which can help them with becoming lifelong learners. 

One way goals can be set within the classroom is using the S.M.A.R.T goal outline. According to mindtools.com 

To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:

  • Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
  • Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
  • Achievable (agreed, attainable).
  • Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
  • Time-bound (time-based, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
File:SMART-goals.png - Wikimedia Commons
From: Wikimidia

Specific: to find specifics about a goal, answer the 5 W questions. 

  • What do I want to accomplish?
  • Why is this goal important?
  • Who is involved?
  • Where is it located?
  • Which resources or limits are involved?

Measurable: Can you track your process? How does this help with motivation?

Achievable: Are the goals realistic and attainable?

Relevant: Do your goals matter to you? Does your goal seem worthwhile? Is this the right time for these goals? Am I the right person to reach this goal?

Time-Bound: What does this goal look like to you in the future?

Why should we set goals in the classroom?

Edward Locke and Gary Latham (1990) are leaders in goal-setting theory. According to their research, goals not only affect behavior as well as job performance, but they also help mobilize energy which leads to a higher effort overall. Higher effort leads to an increase in persistent effort.

Riopel, 2021

Establishing goal-setting skills in the classroom can really motivate students to work hard to accomplish these goals! These skills can be reflected in many different forms as these students become young adults and are entering the world. In goal setting, students have an opportunity take ownership of their own learning which is something I find really fascinating. As teachers, it’s our task is to empower, inspire, and give tools to students to help them grow into lifelong learners.

Photo from: Education Week

On the topic of goals, I feel that student reflection is one way teachers can assess how these goal-setting progress is coming along! Daily exit passes can be used in the classroom in a variety of different ways (as seen below in one I designed for a music lesson plan) and can be tailored to follow goal setting and achieving journeys.

Ferlazzo, L. (2021, March 5). Response: Student goal-setting in the classroom (opinion). Education Week. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-response-student-goal-setting-in-the-classroom/2017/01

Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.). Smart goals: How to make your goals achievable. Time Management Training From MindTools.com. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm

Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.). Personal goal setting: – planning to live your life your way. How to Set SMART Goals – from MindTools.com. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://www.mindtools.com/page6.html#:~:text=Setting%20goals%20gives%20you%20long,the%20most%20of%20your%20life.

The importance, benefits, and value of goal setting. PositivePsychology.com. (2021, December 7). Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-goal-setting/#:~:text=Setting%20goals%20helps%20trigger%20new,you%20don’t%20properly%20manage.