Setting Learning Goals
Set a specific learning goal, work towards it with a deliberate plan, then honestly assess whether you achieved it and what you would change
What a learner can do afterwards
- Set a specific, achievable learning goal for themselves — e.g. 'By Friday I want to know all my 7-times tables' rather than just 'get better at maths'
- Make a simple plan for how to reach their goal and follow through on it over several days
- After the deadline, honestly assess whether they achieved the goal and describe what they would do differently next time
The lesson
A learning goal works best when it is specific and has a deadline. Instead of saying 'get better at maths,' say exactly what you want to know and by when.
Ravi wanted to get better at spelling. Instead of just trying harder, he wrote: 'By Friday, I will spell all 10 words on my list correctly.' Now he knows exactly what to aim for and when to check.
When the deadline comes, check honestly: did you reach your goal? If not, that's useful information, not a failure. Decide what you'll do differently next time.
On Friday, Maya tested herself on the 7-times tables. She got 8 out of 12 right. She was honest: 'I'm not there yet. Next time I'll practice for ten minutes every night instead of just once.'
Set a specific goal with a deadline, make a plan, then check honestly whether you got there.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.