As educators we want our students to have a clear sense of purpose, to be motivated and self-assured, to know the importance of helping others, and to understand that they are at the controls of their life.

According to John Bishop of GoalSettingForStudents.com, “We want students to know how to step up to the plate and take ownership of their education and their life. Teaching them the important goal setting principles will help them take ownership of their future.”

As educators we understand that when students take ownership they will embrace our efforts to help them succeed. The key is having an effective plan to discuss these important life skills with them. Your talk about goal setting should be organized and well thought out. You should have several discussions over a couple of months before your students will start to fully understand and implement these valuable life-lessons.

First, give your students something to read about each aspect of goal setting. Discuss with them what they learned by using open-ended questions. Facilitate the discussion rather than lecturing to them. Let them express their thoughts. This is your opportunity to learn what they are thinking. Guard against your biases and praise and congratulate them.

Guide your discussions toward answering three important questions:

1) Why is this important?

2) How do I use this?

3) How can I get started?

Suggested goal setting topics to focus on:

1. Show your students how to define a challenge and the importance of writing down their goals. Give them real world examples they can relate to.

2. Help them develop a plan. Explain the meaning of No Vision = No Direction.

3. Explain the importance of taking action on their plan and setting a timetable for its completion.

4. Let them know different people define success in different ways. Help them to begin to define their success.

5. Teach them the importance of minimizing excuses and the power of staying positive.

6. Help your students understand the importance of using the five “I ll Make It Happen” words that will change their lives yes, I will, and I can.

7. Demonstrate the importance of helping others.

8. Teach them that success takes motivation, determination, and effort.

9. Explain to your students how to overcome potential roadblocks and how to conquer their fears.

10. Explore with your students the magic of taking responsibility.

With some discussion and guidance, your students can take ownership of their education. Mr. Bishop states, “Your students will develop an I ll Make It Happen attitude and that will have a positive impact on attendance, class participation, discipline problems, personal decision making, and test results.”

John Bishop is the Executive Director of Accent on Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students succeed in the classroom and in life. He is the author of “Goal Setting for Students”. Please visit his website www.GoalSettingForStudents.com for more information.

314-664-6110

http://www.GoalSettingForStudents.com

– John Bishop