Classroom Secrets: Getting S.M.A.R.T. about goal setting
By Rob Stringer
January is a popular time for goal-setting. So this month, whether you’re setting goals for yourself, or helping your kids make the most of the remaining school year, here are a few time tested strategies to improve the odds of success—helping you to stay S.M.A.R.T. about your goals.
S … Specific. How precise is your goal? Are you hoping you kids will “do well” or “get better grades” next term? Get specific. For example, is there a particular strand or topic in math to be improved (e.g. patterning, multiplication)? Can you narrow down what success looks like—perhaps to a particular mark or range of marks? As well, be specific when thinking about structures to support newly defined goals. For example, schedule weekly tutoring, set up a daily homework routines or a study schedule.
M … Measurable. Just as a goal should be specific, it needs to be measurable. Look for ways to quantify (measure) it. Test, quiz, and assignment results are often good indicators. While grades are easily measured, things like learning skills are not. If, for example, Homework completion or Problem solving requires improvement, find ways to make them measurable on an ongoing basis. Perhaps counting the number of notes (positive and negative) from the teacher or asking for periodic updates could assist. The trick will be to keep data coming in all term and not waiting until the next report card to see if you are on target. However, please remember, asking the teacher to write notes every day or fill out a daily tracking sheet may not seem like much until you realize he/she has 25 other families to accommodate.
A … Achievable. OK, you’ve decided on a specific goal and figured out a way to measure it—great. However, don’t make the common mistake of thinking you’re done. There are still a few more things to consider before getting into action. The next step is to ask yourself (and/or your kids), does this goal seem achievable? A good guideline is often thinking in terms of “just out of reach, but not out of sight.” Big changes may be needed, and they can often seem overwhelming. If this is the case, try chunking them into smaller more manageable goals or “baby steps”.
R … Relevant. While this goal may be important to you, is it relevant to the person trying to achieve it? If not, you need to find a way to make it important or him/her. This can sometimes be done through reasoning, adding a sense of fun or “game” to the activities, or relating it to an interest or passion. An example might be making math relevant by tying it into a love of sports (calculating team stats, making sports-related practice questions, etc.).
T … Time Specific.Finally, set timelines or target dates for improvement—the next test / project? Short timelines are better for young students. A term may be too long to wait.
Rob Stringer BA, BEd, CPC is an educator, youth coach speaker, who has spent more than two decades helping kids and teens meet with success. For more ideas or to suggest article topics, visit www.YouthCoachGlobal.com or email Rob@YouthCoachGlobal.com.
