Although the SMART Goals framework was originally used in corporate leadership, it is now commonly used in education. The template can help professors identify specific goals. Typically, students use the SMART framework to pinpoint academic and personal goals. Before moving forward, it is wise to learn more about the framework. Once the student has gained an understanding of the basics, they can begin implementing the framework into their academic endeavors to develop plans to achieve their goals.
The SMART Framework
When a student uses the SMART framework, they can easily identify five goals that will meet the required guidelines.
- First, the goal should be specific. The student should identify the exact goal they wish to achieve. Then, they should find out what they must do to achieve the goal in question. Provide as much detail as possible.
- It is pertinent to choose goals that can be measured. Progress should be measurable.
- The goal has to be attainable. The student should describe how they’re going to reach the goal.
- It should also be relevant. Will completing the goal be a step toward an even bigger education goal?
- Finally, it should be time-based. Determine how long it’ll take to complete the goal to ensure that there is accountability.
The SMART framework can be very helpful when attempting to achieve educational goals of all sizes.
SMART Framework Basics For Students
Students should start by writing down what they want to achieve. Then, they can use the framework to obtain more information about the goal in question.
Specific
When the student identifies their goal, they should be as detailed as possible. Consider every detail such as why, how, when, and where.
Measurable
The student should be able to measure their progress each step of the way. Write down how the progress will be measured.
Attainable
The student should make sure that the goal is attainable at their current knowledge level. If not, they should pick other goals.
Relevant
All goals should be relevant. In other words, they should help accomplish something bigger. The goal can be a part of a bigger educational goal.
Time-Based
Write down when the goal should be obtained. Be realistic and don’t rush.
Common SMART Goal Examples
Students can use the SMART framework to achieve a variety of goals. Common examples will be provided below.
Getting An A On An Upcoming Exam
Pupils may be interested in getting a better result on their next exam. To achieve this goal, they’ll have to work hard and study. A good way to prepare is by using the SMART goals framework. The student will start by identifying the class and exam. The goal is measurable since the next score can be compared to the previous one. If the student received a B or C+ on their last exam, they’ll know that an A is attainable.
The goal is relevant because getting a higher score on the exam will help the student pass the course. The framework can work well for this purpose.
Improving Typing Speed
Today, being able to type quickly is very important. People are going to use computers in many careers so it is vital to be skilled in this area. Some people want to be able to type faster. The SMART goals framework can help them identify ways to improve in this area. The goal is to improve the student’s typing speed. They may want to reach 60 words a minute. It is measurable since the student can always keep track of their current typing speed.
Is it attainable? If the student is currently tying at 45 or 50 words per minute, it should be. It’ll also be relevant because learning to type faster will make the student more productive in other areas. Depending on how much time is dedicated to this task, it may take three or four months to improve from 50 words per minute to 60.
Studying At Least 5 Days A Week For 6 Weeks
Students should learn how to study more frequently. After all, studying is vital for improving one’s grades, memorising important facts, and passing tough exams. The SMART framework can be key to learning how to study more frequently. The goal may be to study at least four or five times a week for multiple weeks. Logging the studies in a journal will make the goal measurable.
Most students have enough free time for this to be an attainable goal. Studying more frequently will always be a relevant goal because studying will lead to better grades. In this example, the goal can be completed in six weeks. It is possible to change the parameters to meet the student’s unique requirements.
Read A Book A Month
Reading can be very beneficial. Finishing at least one book a month will be worth it. This goal will be easy to measure since the student will either finish one book or they won’t. It’ll also be attainable if the participant has enough free time to finish a few chapters in a couple of days. Reading a book or two each month is relevant since it’ll make the student smarter. A month should be plenty of time to finish at least one book.
4.0 GPA
Students planning to attend college should have a 4.0 GPA goal. Achieving a 4.0 GPA throughout high school guarantees college scholarships. As tuition continues to increase, low- and median-income students are facing more financial obstacles than ever before. The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant “FSEOG” offers minimal financial relief for students seeking higher education.
Scholarships are available for high school students who graduate with a 4.0 GPA. Students can receive as little as $2,000 or as high as a full-ride scholarship to a reputable college.
Learn A Second Language
Students should be encouraged to learn a second language. Most American high schools offer foreign language classes. However, experts recommend parents put their children in foreign language classes much earlier. Research reveals that children as young as four are intellectually able to master a new language.
Learning a second language challenges students to develop new and build existing skills, such as problem-solving, listening, and critical thinking. In the process, they are improving their memory and focus.
A second language puts college graduates on a competitive edge when seeking a new career.
Author Profile
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My first experience of teaching was in 2016, when I was asked to
deliver a talk to a group of 16-year-olds on what it was like to start
your own business. I immediately knew I wanted to become more
involved in teaching but I didn’t know where to start as I had not
previously considered a career in education. A few weeks later I
agreed to teach a class of Chinese students from the Shanghai
Technical Institute of Electronics and Information, who had travelled
to the UK to learn English and Software Engineering, after that I was
hooked. Within the next few years, I taught hundreds of students of
many different nationalities, aged from 16 to 60, and from
levels 2 to 6. I focused my time teaching with Bath University and
Bath College for several more years until I felt a change was in order.
For the last few years, I have taught remotely with several private
training organisations, provided dedicated one to one coaching
sessions, provided consultancy on teaching and assessment practices
and written about my experiences as a teacher. I plan to continue
with my current activities for the foreseeable future but I’m always
open to new teaching experiences.
