By: Inas Essa
Setting goals is the one sure way to get to what you want, even if it is difficult and requires strenuous effort. However, just as goals differ in their specification, they differ in achievability, which is determined by the framework they are set within.
While some goals may seem smart, they are not actually SMART; the key to achieving goals. Although part of that falls upon learners, educators have a role in this, helping learners set SMART goals and work towards achieving them.
Setting SMART goals is what prevents your dreams and goals, academic, professional, or otherwise, from fading into oblivion.
What Can Setting SMART Goals Do for Educators?
Setting SMART goals with learners does not only benefit them, it has further impact on educators; it:
- Improves their relationship with their students;
- Increases and improves students’ motivation;
- Supports educators’ professional development besides students’ progress;
- Makes educators a source of support or a role model for learners;
- Encourages educators through learners’ career growth.
Related: The Role of Developing a Growth Mindset in the Learning Process
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What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are:
- Specific: Who, what, when, and where are clear.
To help learners set specific goals, discuss with them the difference between clear goals and ambiguous ones, with examples of both of them and their outcomes. This would make the big picture clearer for them.
For example, suppose they want to build up their knowledge regarding robotics. In that case, a clear goal could be: “I will attend a robotics summer camp to help me understand how robots work”, rather than just saying “I will learn robotics.”
- Measurable: Having a specific scale or metrics to measure the progress of the goal.
You could help learners set measurable goals by discussing with them the difference between quantitative vs. qualitative measurement. So that, they could be able to know when they have reached their goal or at which point they are.
For example, a quantitative goal could be “By the end of summer, I will have built a robot by myself”, while a qualitative one could be “By the end of summer, I will have a better understanding of how robots are built.” In this case, as they have specifically mentioned what they want to achieve, it would be easier for them to measure their progress, and determine future plans according to it.
- Attainable/Achievable/Actionable: Goals should be attainable through actions.
You should clarify to them that goals should be realistic and could be achieved through specific actions, with the available time and resources they have.
For example, if they want to learn about robotics and how they work, which requires attending a specialized program, they need to research available options, the related timeframes and costs for the programs, as well as their parent’s consent, before setting the goal.
- Relevant: Goals should be relevant to their personal or academic benefits.
Dreaming about achieving fabulous things is great; however, goals that help the person move on with their lives and make progress should be relevant to their study or work, and they should have a meaning. You should make this clear to them while setting their goals; you may talk with them about qualities that make a goal worthwhile.
So, if they have decided to learn more about robotics to design one, they should think about how it would impact their lives and others. The goal could be: "I will build a robot that helps clean the neighborhood park” for example.
- Timely: Goals need to have a specific deadline or timeframe and the timeline of every task should be clear and consistent with the main deadline.
Facing challenges along the way while working on goals is unavoidable. However, timing is extremely important in setting and achieving goals for what is the point in finishing studying a subject after the exam is done!
Talking with children about the importance of timing in setting goals is of high importance to make the goals make sense.
Applying SMART Goals in STEM Education
First, you should ask learners to think about their academic goals for this year or the long run, and step by step, you may assess them to reach the final version of their goals and action plan. This also requires key points:
- Engage
Since not all learners have confidence in their goals and abilities, the first step should be empowering them and making them believe in themselves. Without self-confidence, hard work could be useless.
You can also inspire them by sharing how others have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals besides providing them with the required knowledge.
If the lack of confidence is still deep, you may help them build it by reflecting on their previously accomplished goals, whether academic or in sports, etc., even small ones.
- Create
After identifying the goals and skills required, it would be helpful to think about what they need to work on. This does not mean focusing on what they lack; it is about being aware of the whole picture and what is required to make it come true.
- Share
Sharing goals with professionals and peers works in two ways; getting more confidence in what the person presents, and getting feedback that could help in making some tweaks. This may require the educator’s help in rooting the responsibility for sharing ideas and advice with learners.
Related: The Role of Feedback and Goal-Setting on Performing Tasks
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In a nutshell, setting SMART goals does not only work for learners, it has a great effect on educators as well and helps build a better relationship between both sides. That is the point of teaching; it is not only about curricula that are stuffed with information, it is a way of building personalities that have vision, ambition, and well-defined goals.
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