After the initial assessment (Initial Assessment of Language Proficiency for ESL Students to Develop Tailored Lesson Plans), a teacher must set SMART goal for the students. Setting SMART goal should be the second step in the development of the effective lesson. This article will teach you how to set SMART goal in details.
A successful planner of the lessons is backing by one thing: the setting of objectives. Let me tell you what SMART means. It means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound objectives that are clear and concise. For example, being an English teacher, I very often set a SMART objective for the improvement in vocabulary for my students.
My SMART goal for a definite week can be: By the end of this week, students will be able to use ten new words correctly in sentences, shown by scoring at least 8 out of 10 in a vocabulary test.
Specific: The objective names the task—that is, using ten new vocabulary words in sentences.
Measurable: Success is measured by scoring at least 8 out of 10 on a vocabulary test.
Attainable: The objective is realistic based on the present abilities of the students and this week's instruction.
Relevant: The objective stated is relevant for improving the vocabulary skills of the students.
Time-bound: The goal will be reached by the end of this week.
By setting this SMART objective, I provide a very clear and achievable target for my students; hence, all of her lessons remain focused on improving in vocabulary within a specified time frame.
Differentiated Learning Objectives
The learning objectives, however, need to be differentiated to be accessible by different levels of abilities and to see that every child is stretched but able to attain them. For example, I often set the learning objectives of a reading comprehension unit to be differential according to my students' different ability levels in class.
I set tiered SMART objectives for the unit:
For advanced students:
By the end of the two-week unit, advanced students will be able to analyze and interpret the themes and character motivations in a grade-level novel by providing textual evidence to support the analysis. Demonstrate scoring at least 90% on a written assignment.
For on-level students:
By the end of the two-week unit, students on grade level will be able to identify the main idea and key details in a grade-level novel, accurately summarize the plot and character actions; this is at least demonstrated with an 80% correct comprehension quiz.
For below-grade level:
By the end of the two-week unit, students needing extra support will be able to understand and summarize the basic plot and main characters of a simplified version of the novel, correctly answering 7 out of 10 questions on a comprehension worksheet.
Specific: Each objective outlines specific tasks that address the needs of different abilities.
Measurable: Success will be measured by specific scores on assignments, quizzes, and worksheets.
Achievable: The objectives are achievable, given the ability level of each group.
Relevant: Each objective applies to improvement in reading comprehension skills.
Time-bound: All objectives are specific to the end of this two-week unit.
Having set these tiered SMART objectives I can allow myself to ensure that every student faces the appropriate amount of challenge and support, thereby progressing and succeeding as well according to their individual ability.
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