Setting a Goal...

One of the things that we are focusing on this term is to learn how to set a goal that is achievable, then setting out to complete it. If we think that life is like a game, what do we need to do to get the ball into the goal? Sometimes we need to focus on practising skills, sometimes we have to find effective ways to get around the opposition, sometimes we have to persevere even when we don't feel well. We have to remain committed to achieving that goal.

Our students were asked to write down two goals that they would like to achieve this term. We discussed that they needed to be specific and achievable. They then had to come up with a game plan. They discussed with each other what it would take to achieve their goal. We will revisit our goals in four weeks and see whether or not we have made steps in achieving our goals.

This is part of a classroom focus this term, to identify what our learning intentions are and then as we progress through a lesson, identify if we are understanding the instructions and what is being taught. On one of the whiteboards in our classroom is the following chart:

We explain what the outcome of the lesson is going to be. Students will then be asked how much they understand. There will be opportunity to either move on or to revisit the lesson depending on the amount of understanding.

Identifying what we know or don't know is one of the first steps to achieving our goals. They become a starting point for helping us to understand where can improve. Asking others and finding strategies helps to then move forward to achieving our goals. 

What is a goal that you want to achieve this term? How do you think you will achieve it?