Just as it’s important for us to set goals in our lives, goal setting for students is often an overlooked aspect of the learning process.

A learning goal is a desired outcome students are striving to reach within a specific time frame.

Whether your child’s goal is to read the Harry Potter series, solve 2-by-2 digit multiplication, or write short stories, it’s absolutely crucial that they are supported in making a plan to achieve it. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry put it: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

So why is it important for students to set learning goals?

1. Learning Goals Help Students Own Their Learning

In a teacher-centered learning environment, the student has no say over what they learn. Student-centered learning environments empower students to have a voice over what they want to learn. Giving students the freedom to set their own learning goals nudges them to be independent, self-directed learners.

2. Learning Goals Give Students an Aim and Focus

Having learning goals helps direct your student’s attention, energy, and focus solely towards reaching their goal. It’s easy to get distracted and off-track when there is no clear path to follow. Learning goals create a path for students to follow, enabling them to dedicate all of their energy towards learning.

3. Learning Goals Increase Students’ Motivation

When students set their own learning goals and have the responsibility to decide what they want to learn, they become increasingly more motivated and engaged in their learning. This happens for two reasons: students have ownership over their learning, and complex projects or ideas get broken down into smaller steps.

4. Learning Goals Provide Students with Valuable Feedback

A pillar of the SMART goal framework is to have goals that are measurable. For students to have a goal that is measurable is to have a method of measuring their progress, allowing them to make any necessary changes. By having a measurable goal, students are able to get timely and clear feedback on how they are doing in pursuing their aim.

5. Learning Goals Challenge Students to Grow

We all have the tendency to opt for the path of least resistance. Children are no exception. By purposefully setting learning goals that are a bit beyond their current capabilities, students grow in their competence and autonomy. As they begin to experience more success in doing hard things, they are sure to develop a stronger growth mindset, where they embrace the challenges they face.

Strive Learning Solutions understand the importance of goal setting for students.

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