Most teachers commit a significant error when instructing goal setting, which is a crucial aspect at the beginning of the new school year, semester, or calendar year. It is common for teachers, particularly in middle school, to seek out activities and lessons to introduce goal-setting to their students.

This approach is logical since middle school students are at a developmental stage where goal setting is highly beneficial. However, there is a grave error that many teachers tend to make in this regard.

Let me share with you since I know you're curious…

The most significant error teachers make when it comes to goal setting is treating it as a one-time event. They assist students in setting goals and then move on without further involvement.

You may believe that you're not making this mistake because you do help students establish goals and check later if they've been achieved. Fortunately, you're on the right track, but you still haven't effectively taught goal setting.

This approach to goal setting actually sets students up for failure, not only in reaching their specific goals but also in utilizing goal setting as a whole.

Goal setting is a continuous process that involves multiple steps to be effective. In this article, you'll learn an efficient process that will assist you in teaching goal-setting to your students.

1Frequent Self-Evaluation

The initial step in goal setting always involves evaluating one's current position. Sometimes, this entails facing difficult questions. However, the most crucial aspect is being honest with oneself, even when it's challenging.

You'll want your students to begin by examining their past accomplishments and reflecting on the choices they've made. This includes considering their current and previous grades, performance in various aspects of the class (tests, homework, etc.), behavior, attitude, effort, and work ethic.

Teaching your students to engage in regular self-evaluation is essential. The frequency of self-evaluation will depend on the timeframe set to achieve the goal.

A beneficial approach is to have students self-evaluate at the beginning of each grading period, after each unit test, and at the end of the grading period.

2Attitude matters a lot

The way you approach a situation matters a lot, and this is especially true when it comes to students' complaints about not succeeding in a particular class. Often, they believe they can't do well because either the teacher has a dislike for them, they dislike the class itself, or they simply don't have an interest in the subject.

Sadly, this becomes their reality, at least from their perspective. When they convince themselves that they cannot accomplish something, their chances of achieving success become extremely low.

To help students overcome such mindsets, we need to guide them. It's the only way they can find success and reach their goals.

In life, we encounter various individuals we may not like due to personal reasons or differences. However, the important lesson is that we shouldn't let our dislike for someone prevent us from being kind and respectful.

The same principle applies to learning. You may not like the teacher, the class, or the subject. But that doesn't mean you should dwell on it and let it hinder your success.

Sometimes, we must focus on the bigger goal ahead and recognize that conquering these obstacles is necessary to progress. That's where motivation comes into play—our drive to achieve the goal on the other side of the challenging task.

A useful approach to helping students understand this is by exemplifying it in your own teaching. There's likely a unit that you aren't particularly fond of, but you still teach it with the same effort as the others. Sharing this experience with your students can be valuable.

Explain to them that there are things you have to do even if you don't like them, and emphasize that you do them for a purpose. Show them that having a positive attitude toward such tasks is a conscious choice you make.

3Set the goals

Establishing objectives can be a challenging endeavor. The appropriate method of goal-setting varies depending on the individual's preferred motivation style.

In my experience, the most effective approach for students entails starting with small goals. It is crucial for most students to experience some achievements that boost their self-assurance before taking on larger objectives.

Examples of smaller goals could include submitting homework promptly, maintaining an organized notebook, or dedicating the last 10 minutes of class to practicing vocabulary words.

Although long-term goals are beneficial for staying motivated during less enjoyable courses, it is through short-term goals that students cultivate their self-confidence.

4Develop a Plan

Merely expressing a desire to attend college and become a veterinarian does not guarantee that one knows the necessary steps to make it a reality. This is where you, as the teacher, play a crucial role. Your task is to assist students in identifying the necessary actions to achieve their goals, whether they are short-term or long-term objectives.

These actions could involve establishing a regular study routine, seeking assistance from a counselor, or using reminders like sticky notes on their notebooks. By offering students a range of tasks and actions, you can help them make progress toward their goals in your class.

Examples include writing down daily assignments in their planners or providing strategies for practicing vocabulary words.

5Recognize the Impact of Choices - Set Priorities

The subsequent step in the goal-setting process is to help students comprehend the connection between their daily choices and the achievement of their goals. They might be looking at a fantastic plan but have no idea when or how to put it into action.

Teaching time management skills is a natural part of addressing this issue. While we often encounter numerous uncontrollable factors in our daily lives, careful observation reveals that we do have considerable control over our time.

The key to accomplishing tasks that lead us toward our goals lies in effectively utilizing the time that is within our control.

Teaching middle schoolers the concept of prioritization should be a top priority when instructing them on goal setting. It is essential to convey to students that we are not implying they should refrain from having any fun. In fact, I emphasize the opposite! Fun is important! Schedule it!

However, it is crucial for students to understand that there is a time for enjoyment and a time to complete necessary tasks. I firmly believe that both aspects are necessary for success.

6Keep the Cycle Going

Review, establish an objective, devise a strategy, execute the plan, review again, make adjustments, and continue executing the plan.

An essential part of setting goals is the stage where you assess your progress and modify the plan if necessary.

Often, students are quick to declare their inability to achieve their goals, but usually, it's because they either need to adapt the plan or actually put it into action.

This phenomenon is observed in academics, at home, and even in entrepreneurial endeavors. It's not the goal itself that requires alteration, but rather the action plan to reach it.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what your middle school students truly require to assist them in setting goals, you are prepared to commence.

However, if you prefer a more streamlined approach and materials to aid you in accomplishing the task, as always, I'm fully available to assist you!

By incorporating these techniques into your teaching approach, you can effectively teach goal-setting to middle school students and help them develop important skills for success.

Remember that goal-setting is a continuous process, and providing ongoing support and guidance will enhance their chances of achieving their goals.