One key ingredient to success in
any field is being prepared. Setting goals and working to reach them is a
discipline that assures a measure of success regardless of the task at hand.
Taking young people
step-by-step through a goal-setting process is very helpful.
To start the process, ask young
people to identify one learning goal they have for the week — like turning in a
report on time, reading two chapters, or memorizing a certain number of
vocabulary words.
Have them write the goal down
and keep it where they can see it every day.
Show them how to break the goal
into smaller steps. Using a written report as an example, they could read two
chapters every day, and spend one day writing the report.
Help them identify obstacles to
achieving their goal, like sports practices, music rehearsal, other homework,
or even fatigue. Help them devise ways to overcome those obstacles.
Show them how to use
self-motivation. Ask them to think about how they will benefit directly when
they reach their goal.
Make sure they check in with
you as the week progresses. Identify problems that arise and talk about
solutions.
At the end of the week, have
them evaluate how they did, and use that information to set a new goal for the
next week.
After a few weeks of using this
technique, most students can continue the cycle on their own, setting goals and
working to reach them. It is a very valuable discipline to master.
