Teacher Talk Blog | Tips on Classroom Target Setting

Bullseye! How to Set Useful Targets in the Classroom, and How to Use Target Teacher Stickers Effectively

Education is becoming more target-driven than ever; and most students are now well versed in the concept of 'goals' and working towards achievement.

However, it's very important to make sure that the targets set are of practical use to the pupil and will actually help them to develop effectively. As Einstein himself once said: "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts", and it's important to be able to identify the difference.

What are the main benefits of target setting?

Target setting, if done well, can offer many advantages. Here are just a few of the key ones:

• Provide children with a clear, concise plan of exactly what needs to be done to improve work and achieve their goals.
• Keep parents in the loop, and get them involved with supporting the learning of their child.
• Provide better parameters for teachers to measure the effectiveness of their teaching.
• Encourage motivation with clearly outlined goals.
• Encourage self-assessment and self-reflection as a vital part of the learning process.

How to set targets effectively in the classroom

Target setting isn't necessarily limited to just the one process. In fact, it's better to view it as part of a bigger plan; of using assessment to help students to take charge of their own learning and strive towards achieving their educational goals.

However, here are just a few things to think about when developing a good 'target strategy' in the classroom:

• Open communication. It's really important that students feel comfortable discussing targets, in order for them to take responsibility for their own learning.

• Clear targets assigned. Targets must be clear, concise and tangible, in order for students to understand them. Using teaching resources, such as these Target teacher stickers can be really useful in helping you achieve this.

• Develop a reward system. The reward for achieving a target doesn't necessarily need to be a physical item; it can be as simple as acknowledging the achievement in front of peers, or taking the time to write a productive, encouraging comment in their exercise books.

Remember, when using targets in the classroom, keep it focused, keep it productive and keep everyone; students, parents and other teachers in the loop!