In the Middle School Classroom

Why teach goal-setting?
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If they think they can’t, they’re probably right!”
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Students who have developed strong sense of ability:
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See challenging problems as tasks to be mastered
Are more interested in participating
Form a stronger sense of commitment to their interests and activities
Continue to try when they don’t succeed the first time
Students with an undeveloped sense of ability:
 Avoid challenging tasks
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Believe that difficult tasks are too tough for them
Focus on struggle or failure
Give up easily

Appeal to the “Four Dimensions” to help students set goals…
“I’M INTERESTED”
“I CAN RELATE” “I DECIDE”

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Extrinsic – outside motivation
Intrinsic – motivated from within
Help students see how accomplishing the goal will benefit them…
 I will be better off having achieved my goal.
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It is connected to my life.
I can decide on and achieve goals.
The goal is of value to me.
More intrinsic motivation = greater achievement!

Using goals to motivate student achievement on assessments
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STAR Progress Monitoring
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Share individual student scores/results/etc…
Brainstorm (problems & solutions)
Complete “stair-step” goal sheet
Timely feedback – praise evident EFFORT and attainment!
Acuity
 Share results of assessment and specific areas of strength/weakness
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Brainstorm (problems & solutions)
Complete individual goal sheet
Timely feedback – praise!

Using goals to motivate student achievement on assignments/tests
 PowerSchool
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Show students how your class averages are figured
Provide samples of how different categories affect overall grade
Allow students to practice figuring grades
Brainstorm (problems & solutions)
Set goals
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Communicate results – recognize effort & achievement
Teach students how to track assignment data
Encourage students to take ownership of their progress in class