Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will learn to set one SMART academic goal and complete a self-assessment to identify strengths and areas for growth, guiding their personalized action plan.
Goal-setting and self-assessment build student ownership, self-awareness, and motivation, laying the foundation for measurable academic improvements.
Audience
10th Grade Boys
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Hands-on worksheets, group discussion, and reflection.
Materials
- Goal Setting Worksheet, - Academic Self-Assessment Checklist, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Goal Setting Worksheet and Academic Self-Assessment Checklist
- Gather chart paper, markers, and timer
- Review session objectives and anticipate student responses
- Arrange seating for small-group sharing
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain the session’s purpose
- Prompt each student to share one recent academic success
- Highlight how celebrating progress aligns with goal setting
- Transition by introducing today’s focus on intentional goal planning
Step 2
Introduce SMART Goals
7 minutes
- Display SMART acronym on chart paper (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Explain each element with academic examples (e.g., complete math homework twice weekly)
- Invite student questions and clarify terms
- Hand out Goal Setting Worksheet
Step 3
Individual Goal Setting
10 minutes
- Instruct students to draft one academic goal using the SMART framework on their worksheet
- Circulate and offer prompts, ensuring goals meet all SMART criteria
- Encourage students to refine unclear or broad goals
- Remind students their goal will guide next week’s check-in
Step 4
Peer Share & Feedback
8 minutes
- Pair students and have them read their SMART goal aloud
- Partners provide one positive comment and one suggestion for improvement
- Volunteers share standout goals with the class
- Record common themes on chart paper for group motivation
Step 5
Academic Self-Assessment
5 minutes
- Distribute Academic Self-Assessment Checklist
- Ask students to rate their current study habits and identify one strength and one area to improve
- Collect checklists for review before the next session
- Close by reinforcing connection between self-assessment and effective goal pursuit
Project Guide
Academic Improvement Project
Project Overview
The Academic Improvement Project spans five 35-minute sessions, guiding 10th grade boys through goal setting, skill-building activities, and peer collaboration. Students will set SMART goals, develop personalized study strategies, and culminate the project with a presentation of their progress and next steps.
Project Objectives
- Empower students to set and monitor SMART academic goals.
- Develop strategic study habits (note-taking, time management, test preparation).
- Foster peer support and collaborative problem-solving.
- Cultivate self-reflection and ownership of learning.
- Showcase measurable academic gains through a final presentation.
Timeline & Session Deliverables
| Session | Focus Area | Key Deliverable | Lesson Plan Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMART Goal Setting & Self-Assessment | Completed Goal Setting Worksheet and Academic Self-Assessment Checklist | Session 1 Lesson Plan |
| 2 | Effective Study Strategies | Personalized study strategy outline | Session 2 Lesson Plan |
| 3 | Time Management & Organization | Weekly time-management planner | Session 3 Lesson Plan |
| 4 | Collaborative Review & Skill Sharpening | Peer-reviewed practice assignment | Session 4 Lesson Plan |
| 5 | Progress Presentation & Next-Step Action Planning | Final presentation slideshow and reflection report | Session 5 Lesson Plan |
Project Deliverables
- SMART Goal & Self-Assessment (Session 1)
- Study Strategy Outline (Session 2)
- Weekly Time-Management Planner (Session 3)
- Peer-Reviewed Practice Work (Session 4)
- Final Presentation & Reflection Report (Session 5)
Roles & Responsibilities
- Teacher: Facilitate sessions, provide resources, guide reflections, and collect deliverables.
- Students: Actively participate in discussions and activities, complete deliverables on time, and support peers.
Evaluation Criteria
- Alignment of goals with SMART criteria.
- Completeness and practicality of study strategies and planners.
- Quality of peer feedback and collaborative work.
- Clarity and depth of final presentation and reflection.
Materials & Resources
- Session 1 Lesson Plan
- Session 2 Lesson Plan
- Session 3 Lesson Plan
- Session 4 Lesson Plan
- Session 5 Lesson Plan
- Goal Setting Worksheet (#goal-setting-worksheet)
- Academic Self-Assessment Checklist (#academic-self-assessment-checklist)
End of Academic Improvement Project guide. Use this framework to support consistent implementation and track student progress toward academic gains.
Discussion
Session 1 Discussion: Reflecting on Academic Successes and Challenges
Purpose
This discussion helps students build self-awareness by sharing past academic successes and challenges. Insights from peers will lay the groundwork for setting meaningful SMART goals in the session’s activities.
Guidelines for a Productive Discussion
- Listen respectfully and wait your turn to speak.
- Confidentiality: What’s shared here stays here.
- Speak honestly and constructively.
- Encourage each other with positive feedback.
Discussion Prompts
- Recent Academic Success
• Describe one recent success—big or small—in your classwork or studying.
• What strategy, habit, or resource contributed most to that success?Response Space: - Overcoming Academic Challenges
• Think of a recent setback or challenge (missed assignment, poor quiz grade, difficulty understanding a topic).
• What was the biggest obstacle, and how did you (or how might you) address it?Response Space: - Role of Peer Support
• How have classmates, friends, or study groups helped you learn or stay on track?
• In what ways can you support your peers this week?Response Space: - Connecting to Future Goals
• Based on our discussion, what one habit or strategy do you want to focus on improving?
• How might improving this area help you reach your academic goals?Response Space:
Potential Follow-Up Questions
- Can you give an example of when that strategy didn’t work and what you learned?
- What small step can you take this week to build on your success?
- How will you check in on your chosen habit or strategy?
Next Steps: Use the ideas from today’s discussion to draft your first SMART goal on the Goal Setting Worksheet. We’ll refer back to these reflections during our peer-feedback activity and in your self-assessment (Academic Self-Assessment Checklist). For a full overview of today’s flow, see the Session 1 Lesson Plan.
Activity
Goal Setting Worksheet
Purpose
This worksheet will guide you through creating a SMART academic goal that is clear, trackable, and motivating. Follow each component and draft your goal at the end.
SMART Goal Components
1. Specific
Define exactly what you want to achieve.
- What subject or skill will you focus on?
- Who is involved? (Just you, study partner, group?)
- Where and when will you work?
Your response:
2. Measurable
Identify how you will track progress.
- What evidence will show you’re making progress?
- How often will you check your progress?
Your response:
3. Achievable
Ensure your goal is realistic.
- Do you have the resources or skills you need?
- What small steps can you take to reach this goal?
Your response:
4. Relevant
Connect your goal to your broader academic needs.
- How will this goal help improve your grades or skills?
- Why is this goal important right now?
Your response:
5. Time-bound
Set a clear deadline or timeframe.
- By what date will you achieve your goal?
- Are there milestones along the way?
Your response:
Example SMART Goal
I will review my biology notes for 20 minutes each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school and record each session on a calendar, aiming to raise my quiz average from 75% to 85% within six weeks.
Draft Your SMART Goal
Write your initial goal here, using the SMART components above.
Refine Your SMART Goal
Read your draft and adjust to ensure it fully fits the SMART criteria. Write the improved version below.
Use this worksheet to guide your academic planning. We’ll revisit and adjust your goal in upcoming sessions as you track your progress and celebrate your successes.
Worksheet
Academic Self-Assessment Checklist
Purpose
This checklist helps you reflect on your current study habits to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Use your responses to guide your SMART goal and action plan.
Instructions
Rate each habit from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). Circle the number that best describes your typical behavior.
1. Note-taking in class
1 2 3 4 5
2. Time management (planning and meeting deadlines)
1 2 3 4 5
3. Organization (keeping materials and workspace tidy)
1 2 3 4 5
4. Focus during study sessions
1 2 3 4 5
5. Completion of assignments on time
1 2 3 4 5
6. Preparation for tests/quizzes
1 2 3 4 5
Reflection
- My top strengths (habits I rated highest):
- My main areas for growth (habits I rated lowest):
Action Plan
Choose one area for growth and write a specific improvement step.
Monitoring Progress
How will you track your improvement? (e.g., calendar check-ins, study logs, peer accountability)
Use this checklist to inform your goals on the Goal Setting Worksheet. We will review your self-assessment when we check progress in upcoming sessions.