Short-Term Goals

I had an excellent question today from a tutor about setting short-term goals, so I thought (of course) that I'd blog about it. Long-term goals are important, obviously, but it's hard to stay motivated if you're reading at a second-grade level and you want to get a GED--it's going to be awhile. You need to make sure that you and your student are setting small, achievable goals so progress can be seen--this gives more opportunities for celebration!

A few goal setting tips:

1. Define your goal and write it dow. Be precise--make it measurable with dates, times, and amounts (e.g. learn 5 new vocabulary words before my tutoring session next Tuesday--know the definition, spelling, and one possible use of the word in context).

2. Set priorities--dont set so many goals that it is overwhelming.

3. Set goals your student has control over. Base the goal on personal performance, skills, or knowledge to be acquired. Gain information about your student before setting a goal--know what she or he is capable of doing. A goal can be as basic as learning the letter sounds. (Examples: learn the alphabet, learn 10 new vocabulary words, read 15 minutes/day, watch close-captioned TV).

4. Set goals for yourself as well. For example, if your student has a learning disability, set a goal to learn more about it. If your student is from another country, set a goal to learn a few traditions from that country.

When you achieve your goal, celebrate! Play games for an entire tutoring session. Go out for ice cream. Submit student achievements to be posted in the Project Read newsletter. Some of these things may be things you are already doing--so frame it as a goal and then celebrate!!!

Happy goal setting.