Goal Setting Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you outline your short-term and long-term academic goals and develop actionable steps to achieve them. Follow the sections below and use the provided space to write your thoughts and plans.

Part 1: Short-Term Goals

What are some academic goals you would like to achieve in the next few months? These should be more immediate, realistic goals that will help you build a strong foundation.

Action Steps for Short-Term Goals

List a few actionable steps you can take to work towards your short-term goals. Think about specific actions or strategies that will help you succeed.

Part 2: Long-Term Goals

Now, think about your academic aspirations for the future. What are some goals you have for the next few years? Consider how these goals can build upon your short-term successes.

Action Steps for Long-Term Goals

Write down the actionable steps you plan to take to reach your long-term goals. These can include skills to develop, courses to take, or habits to adopt.

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on how setting these goals might help you in your academic journey. Write down any additional thoughts or strategies that you believe will support your success.

Good luck, and remember to revisit your goals periodically to assess your progress and make adjustments as needed!

Discussion Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to help you facilitate an engaging and meaningful conversation with your students about goal setting. Use these prompts and questions throughout the lesson to encourage critical thinking and personal reflection.

Initial Prompts

• "What do you think is the difference between short-term and long-term goals?"
  
  
  
• "Why might it be important to set both types of goals?"
  
  
  

Guiding Questions

Exploring Goals

• "Can you share an example of a short-term academic goal you might have? What makes it short-term?"
  
  
  
• "What could be a long-term academic goal, and how might your short-term goals help you achieve it?"
  
  
  

Reflecting on the Importance

• "How do you think setting clear goals can influence your daily decisions and motivation?"
  
  
  
• "Have you ever set a goal, and if so, what steps did you take to accomplish it? If not, what might be holding you back?"
  
  
  

Application Questions

• "What are some actionable steps you can outline today for one of your goals?"
  
  
  
• "How can you measure your progress towards these goals over time?"
  
  
  

Encouraging Participation

• Encourage students to think of goal setting as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
  
  
  
• Ask for volunteer examples but also allow time for individual reflection before sharing.
  
  
  
• Remind students that every goal, no matter how small, is a step toward their bigger aspirations.
  
  
  

Follow-Up Points

• After the discussion, prompt students to review their own goals on the Goal Setting Worksheet and identify one new step they can take based on the conversation.
  
  
  
• Ask how they might adjust their existing plans to better align with their long-term vision after hearing from their peers.
  
  
  
• End by emphasizing that goal setting is a powerful tool that can help them manage challenges and celebrate successes along their academic journey.

These guidelines should help create an open and reflective environment where every student feels empowered to share and grow.

Goal Setting Activity Instructions

In this activity, you will create a visual representation of your academic goals to help make your ambitions more tangible and easier to follow.

Materials Needed

• Your completed Goal Setting Worksheet
• Paper and markers or colored pencils (if digital, use a drawing app)

Activity Steps

1. Review Your Goals:

   • Take a few minutes to look over your Goal Setting Worksheet.
   • Identify two primary short-term goals and two long-term goals you listed.
     
     
     
     

2. Create a Goal Map:

   • Draw a large circle in the center of your paper. Label it "My Academic Journey."
   • From the center circle, draw branches for each goal. Use different colors for short-term and long-term goals.
   • At the end of each branch, write the goal and add smaller branching steps that represent the actionable steps you outlined.
     
     
     
     

3. Add Visuals:

   • Use symbols, doodles, or icons that signify what each goal means to you (for example, a book for a reading goal or a graduation cap for long-term success).
   • Make your goal map as creative and personalized as possible.
     
     
     
     

4. Share and Reflect:

   • Once completed, you can share your goal map with a partner or small group. Discuss what each part of the diagram represents.
   • Reflect on the steps you have marked and think of any additional actionable steps or resources you might need.
     
     
     
     

5. Display Your Map:

   • Consider hanging your goal map in your study space as a daily reminder of your academic journey and the steps you’ve committed to taking.
     
     
     
     

Follow-Up

• After the activity, update your Goal Setting Worksheet with any new steps or ideas that came up during your discussion.
• Revisit your goal map regularly to monitor progress and adjust your actions as needed.

Enjoy the process of visualizing your dreams and remember that every small action brings you one step closer to achieving your academic goals!