goals
Being aware of the students' goals and expectations helps me to tailor my approach to them.
In all foundations classes I teach, I use the following goal setting acronoym:
Specific
Measurable
Action-Oriented
Realistic
Time-Dimensioned
At the end of the day, I believe the students are SMARTER!!!
I Have them write down what they want. Make sure they write goals that are both realistic and specific. Emphasize the rewards of achieving goals, having fun, and the feeling of satisfaction.
I also like knowing some of their goals and showing them how to build a plan along a time line. Many of the students today have a difficult time planning long term and with a little planning along a timeline they can seen the possibilities.
I have my students fill out a goal sheet. They all must do it, but it is their choice if I read them.
Goals
Goals for the next few mods.
Goals for the next year
Goals for the next 5 years
I had a student recently returned for a visit and completed all goals in under 2 years.
I ask the students the very first day to write short and long term goals and they determine the timeframe for the short and longterm. By having them write them in their notebooks, they become a reminder of what we want to accomplish and also help to keep focusing on the end product. When we successfully achieve them, we write some more goals. They also seem to really appreciate the team effort to succeed at anyone or more than one's goals.
I ask students to write down, "Why are they here in the first place?" during my first day of class introduction. This opens up discussions and students get pumped up and tone is set up nicely. I then give them the syllabus what has to happen for next few weeks to achieve their responses why they are here in the first place.
I have a expectation sheet student's fill out the first day of class. The feedback is good in planning course delivery that is inline with students are looking for in the class. It is also helpful at the end of the quarter when student's complete the class surveys.
You and I both agree, it's important because it also helps me be better prepared.
i ask the same thing. i go over what we are going to do and than ask what would you like to get out of our time together
Rose,
Thanks. What do you do with that information?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I usually ask them to list what they want from the class the first day when I get their contact information.
Robert,
What are some of the things you do to learn about the students' goals and expectations without seeming like you are prying?
Jeffrey Schillinger
