Setting Goals
I like to begin each class with an overview of today exercise of what our goals are going to be in preparing the cuisine of the day. Like in ED107 with the debriefing process, I can see the difference from the students who come in prepared and ready to cook. On the flip side of things the day can become a challenge to those who have not prepared themselves for the activities. One successful tip that i do at the end of each day is to recall the goals of the day and give them an overview of tomorrow goals and expectation.
I agree with this observation based on my expierence. The public school systems are becoming more focused on state mandated testing as opposed to material for future skills needed. Setting goals as in getting A's throughout higher education opportunities fails to address hands-on skills for employment.
Jose,
This is a good point. We don't need to get into the personal lives of our students but it is good to have an idea of some of the challenges they are facing while they are going to school. Last night in my class I had one of my students tell me that he was going to be receiving a call from the police to verify that he was in class and that I would need to tell the police that he was there. The police did call and I told them that he was in class and doing well in the course. This led to discussion after class about some of the challenges he is facing from his previous life in trying to create a new life for himself and his daughter.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It's a sad comment on the lives of some of our students. Some of our students have many challenges outside of our classrooms, however, I try to treat everyone equally. I find it a very slippery slope if you get into our students personal lives.
Mike,
This is what effective teaching should be about. Clear goals and methods to achieve those goals.
Gary
I am on board with giving students clear goals. As well as setting realistic expectations, and reviewing progress.
Yes Thomas, I agree. When arriving on time and being prepared for class becomes a goal for the student and not just an expectation from the instructor, the student is responsible for obtaining their goals and hopefully intrinsic motivation will allow them to reach it.
For some students, the first goals they need to set are as basic as arriving on time and being prepared for the class. Then we can set classroom goals.
Goal setting is an important part in developing the skills and attitude of being a leader.n If we can get our students to understand the importance of having a vision for the future..they will be much more prepared to obtain and achieve their goals.
Setting goals is a great way to keep every one on the same page. If they don't meet their goal it is only their fault. Emphasizing on this everyday should help students retain their goals.
Melanie
I agree with Glenn, we should have the students set goals for themselves. I have them mention thier goals during introduction.
Hi Letisha,
Good for you. You are right many students come into the schools without having the needed goal setting skills. They need to be shown that they need to set goals and put forth the effort to achieve them if they are going to be successful.
Gary
I believe that not enough students are taught to set goals in public school. I try to set goals within the first few days of class for each term. I even teach them how to set employment goals and financial goals.
Hi Christopher,
I agree with your assumption about this strategy and how effective it is. The more connecting of dots that you can do for students the higher the retention of content is going to be.
Gary
I use a similar method, but also recall the previous day's lesson and if there is a connection between yesterday and today, then that is identified as well. In linking the information, it requires a blend of both concrete and abstract thinking -- the straight-forward and the connective. I believe this make the material "stick" better in the long-term.
Hi Peter,
I am sure it is. This is a great way for them to see where they have been and where they are going. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
FOR THE GOAL SETTING EXERCISE, I PLAY A DUEL OLE AND ASK THE STUDENTS WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FROM THE LESSON AND WHAT STEPS DO THEY NEED TO ACCOMPLISH THAT GOAL.
I ASK THEM TO WRITE IT DOWN ON A PIECE OF PAPER AND HAND IT TO ME. AT THE END OF CLASS WE INDIVIDUALLY GO OVER WHAT THEY WROTE AND SEE WHERE THEY WENT WRONG AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THAT THEY NEED TO DO TO HITTING THEIR GOALS.
IT IS AN EYE OPENER FOR THEM.
Adding to that, when I begin a class, I always tell the students what we are going to cover. Then I explain how it relates to what we have previously done. I find that focusing new information on information they are already familiar and comfortable with helps with the learning process. As we go through the new information, I always try to show the students how it is connected to what they already know.
Of course, what is equally important is to relate the goals (and achievements) of one day to the goals (and achievements) of subsequent days as well as the over-arching course objectives. Only in this way do students really understand the "why" of what they are doing and see purpose in it.
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for sharing the tip as well as the good advice on how to keep the students engaged and on the same page with you. Good way to start and conclude a class.
Gary
