Goal Setting

This Term I really want to focus on setting, monitoring, reflecting and adapting student goals. Last term, we set the goals- but in the busyness of the term, they got left on the wayside and I believe, as a teacher, if I'm not encouraging positive and effective goal setting and reflecting, that I am not being an effective teacher. 

Goals provide guidance and allow students to gauge their progress and achievement. I believe, and have seen it with my students; that it encourages positive self-efficacy and sense of achievement as learners. When students achieve their short term goals, they are more motivated to continue working and pursuing tasks which previously, seemed impossible. When students set attainable goals, they are more likely to achieve to a higher standard and to continue in the face of difficult tasks. 

The first 2 weeks back this term, we focussed on goal setting in reading, writing and maths. Using e-asTTle means that figuring out next steps was pretty straightforward- the only issue that arose was breaking down some of the vocabulary for students. 

Two of my BT goals this term are: 

1. Continue to modify the classroom Writing programme while working with Kate Birch.

• Adapting while achieving P.D with Kate Birch.

• Creating appropriate goals with students and assessing their progress.

• Creating activities that target students who need extra help or extension.

• Taking notes of activities and lessons from other teachers that are useful in a writing tumble.

1. Use effective formative practice to monitor target students progress.

• Keeping up to date with Tamaki forms that need to be updated.

• Target students are identified.

• Monitor the assessment data of each target student.

• Provide as much individual attention for target students as possible.

I've been working hard on developing my writing programme- organising a writing tumble and finding ways to synergies student goals with a whole class focus and lesson intentions. Completing a writing analysis was really useful, because it allowed me to decide what the overall class focus should be based on identified needs from e-asTTle.

Setting goals with the students was very rewarding. Most of the students did achieve their goals from term 2, and it was fantastic to see them motivated and excited that they are learning.

This term, working with the SMART goals format- and using the TPS writing rubric meant that student goals are clear, specific and in 'student speak'- they know exactly where they are, and where they are going.

I plan on monitoring goals during the week and have planned for 2 goal reflection lessons in which we will monitor whether we are achieving or goals during the term.

I am intentionally changing my classroom speak- by asking students "what is your goal?", "Is that going to help you achieve your goal?", "How can you take your learning further?" etc.

I'm looking forward to reflecting on student progress at the end of the term- and finding ways to continue to make goals an integral part of the everyday classroom environment and conversations.