Often times, we set goals that are not realistically achievable. We can get overly ambitious and make lofty goals that are all but impossible to achieve. For instance, if you just begin a job at an entry level position it would be unrealistic to think you can become the CEO by the end of the year. To avoid making unrealistic goals, there are a few methods you can utilize.
One of the best ways to set realistic yet challenging goals is to use the S.M.A.R.T. standard. A practice utilized by many people in management, SMART goals have been useful with goal setting in many fields.
For you our goals should be "smart" they should have all of the following components usually:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-based
An example of a SMART goal would be: I will read 10 books by May 1, 2014. It meets the smart goal because it is specific (read 10 books), is measurable (you can count the number of books read by then), is attainable and realistic (most people can make the time to read 10 books in that time frame) and time based (by May 1, 2014).
The following is not a smart goal: I will run in a race sometime. This goal is not very smart. It is attainable and realistic and measurable. But, then it falls apart. For instance, what type of race would I run? A marathon? A 5k road race? A bike race? It also fails to meet the a specific time frame as it is vague or open ended.
The following links can help guide you in this goal setting task:
http://topachievement.com/smart.html
http://sbinformation.about.com/od/businessmanagemen1/a/businessgoals.htm
Another way to set goals with your student is to have them think of goals they would like to achieve. It could be reading a book on their own, getting promoted at work or even being able to order dinner after reading a menu. A fun goal setting task is to write out your goals and check on your progress later. Here is a fun way to do it:
- Have your student write down his or her goals on an index card
- put the index cards in an envelope
- At the end of the year, or periodically during the year, you can check to see if you have met or are working towards meeting your goals.
- To make it more fun, you can write your goals as well.
- you may want to look at the goals before you put them into an envelope to make sure they meet the "smart goal" criteria and you will be able to tailor your training material to their specific goals
Another way to work on your student's goals is to reassess where they are. Check your notes and see what areas they need help. Also, a good way to figure what goals you should set is to simply ask your student what is or isn't working. Ask them what they think works best. Is there something you could be doing better? is there something he or she likes to do? I find asking your student what he or she dislikes doing is important as well because that is usually the area he or she could use the most help.
Have you had any experiences setting goals with your students? What are some the methods you use to set goals? Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section.
The following links may be useful in setting goals with your students:
http://kateandmaggie.com/2013/01/01/setting-literacy-goals-your-students-can-keep-with-a-little-help-from-jillian-michaels/
http://www.esl-literacy.com/essentials-life/program-considerations/supporting-life/goal-setting
https://teal.ed.gov/tealGuide/setgoals
http://www.workbase.org.nz/media/15086/tutorsguidesettingliteracygoalsandrecordingprogress.pdf
"A goal properly set is halfway reached" -Zig Ziglar
A goal properly set is halfway reached.
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Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/goal.html#8VKaGbtulMqJyO7p.99"
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