Goal setting is a planning process for empowering and motivating students to take control of their progress and work toward something in which they are invested. Students need to choose their own goals. We might guide them in the process; however, if they are to be motivated to work toward their goals, they have to feel ownership.
Long-term goals are good for the big picture; however, they seldom seem to keep students motivated on a day-to-day basis. Short-term goals that work toward the long-term goal seem to keep students on task and allow them to see the milestones as they are accomplished.
Encourage students to commit to realistic and reachable short-term goals. If students are unrealistic, they will fail to reach their goal and thus defeat the process of goal setting. It is important for students to meet their goals to feel successful and not repeat a cycle of failure.
Build a form, like the one shown here, to help your students define, plan, and reach their goals.
Excerpted from Special Needs in the General Classroom, 500+ Teaching Strategies for Differentiating Instruction
We even more tips and strategies for motivating students. Check them out here!
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Copyright © 2000-2013 Susan Fitzell & Aim Hi Educational Programs, LLC
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Susan Fitzell, M. Ed, CSP, is a nationally recognized presenter, author of nine books for teachers, trainers, and parents, an educational consultant, and CEO of Aim Hi Educational Programs, LLC. As an independent consultant and coach, Susan offers the personalization, continuity, and consistency necessary for true change in any organization. She works side by side with teachers, school administrators, and business leaders as a coach and trainer, employing Brain Power strategies that take learning to the next level.
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