Last year I was introduced to the idea of Goal Setting Booklets. For those who have not worked with them before, they're a central location for student goals and results. Students individually write down each of their personal goals and then keep track of their progress through graphs. Students can then clearly see how far they have come and can compare their results against their base data. It also enables a student to fully celebrate their achievement, no matter how big or little, without having to compare themselves against their peers.
As teachers we know that our classes are often made up of students at a number of levels and abilities and that the 'one size fits all' approach doesn't work. Goal Booklets enable students to set their own specific goals that are not too hard and not too easy, and then they measure their progress. It's a brilliant system! I love it when students are accountable to their own learning. It definitely makes the learning so much more meaningful.
I thought that now I'd share with you what I have included in my student Goal & Record Books. Feel free to click the links below and download a copy for yourself!
I started the term by introducing these three terms: specific, attainable and measurable. Because good goals are all three of these things. We started off with a very simple goal which we then made more specific. We then ensured that it wasn't too easy or too hard. Finally we figured out ways of measuring our goals… because we wanted to see how far we've come and we wanted to be able to know if we actually achieved it.
I created this page to go right at the beginning of the student booklets so that it is a constant reminder before they actually write their goals.
At my school students complete a pre-test prior to completing their unit or topic. The idea is that this pre-test assesses prior knowledge and shows me, the teacher, what areas I need to focus one more than others.
At the conclusion of a unit or topic, students complete that same test and a post-test and we compare the data. I decided to create this page (pictured right) as I wanted students to actually think about their performance and give it a rating. Just because a student gets every question in their test right, does not mean that they are confident in their ability. A rating system gives further insight into the student and how they think they've performed.
These pages have been created for students to record their results in pre- and post-tests. There is space for them to rate their performance using the rating system mentioned above. I also wanted students to be able to work out their growth… because all growth should be celebrated. A student may not have got every question right in their post-test, however, they may have drastically improved from their pre-test. I want to be able to clearly see this improvement… and I want to celebrate with them!
The page to the right is a great place for students to record their goals for the term. I like having an English, Mathematics and Personal goal, however, you can change this to tailor to your own classes needs.
The idea is that students pick more long term goals (but not too long- something that can be achieved in a term) and they monitor their progress regularly. At the end of the term, student can continue working on those same goals or they can pick new ones to focus on.
In my class we focus on a different spelling list and set of times tables each week. The final three pages provide a place for students to record their results by graphing or ticking off what they have demonstrated that they can do.
Here are links for all of the resources mentioned:
I bought a laminator in an ALDI sale. I think I paid about $30 for it. Regardless, it was a great investment as I was able to put these Goal & Record Booklets together during the school holidays. It was such a relief starting the new term knowing that this job was already done. Instead of paying a lot of money for the plastic covers, I laminated my front and back cover. I think only had to purchase the binding combs. I bought the binding combs at OfficeWorks.
Please note that the clip art and boarders have been created by Creative Clips - Krista Wallden, you can check out her TpT store HERE. I highly recommend checking out her huge range of school-friendly clip art.
Love how you make students involved and responsible for their learning!
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