Goal-Oriented Learning Design
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” - Lao Tzu
In the 1960s, Locke and Latham put together their famous Goal-Setting Theory. The theory outlined 5 goal setting principles that can improve chances of success:
Clarity 💎
Challenge 🧗
Commitment 🗓️
Feedback 🔄
Task Complexity 🕸️
And learning? That’s no different.
Goal setting in learning provides direction, motivation, accountability, and adaptability, driving learners towards meaningful outcomes.
In this article, we adapt these 5 principles to the learning context. With each principle, we deep dive into questions you must ask yourself to set clear goals for your learners. Keep your minds and notebooks handy!
1. Clarity 💎
Set clear and specific goals for your learning experience and your learner.
Some questions to ask yourself:
What are the goals of your learners?
Are your learning objectives clear and guiding learners towards tangible outcomes?
Are your instructions precise, eliminating ambiguity and enhancing understanding?
Do learners have a clear understanding of what they’re expected to achieve?
2. Challenge 🧗
Challenge your learners (& your design) beyond the comfort zone.
Some questions to ask yourself:
How effectively are you challenging learners within their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
Are you tailoring learning experiences to address diverse skill levels?
How can you reword & recognise learners who attempt the challenge and are successful? What about those who fail?
Are the tasks sufficiently challenging to promote growth and development without overwhelming learners?
3. Commitment 🗓️
Get buy-in from your learners at every point of your experience.
Some questions to ask yourself:
To what extent are learners invested in their learning goals?
Are learners given autonomy to opt in and set their own goals?
What systems are in place for learners to reinforce the commitment that learners are making?
Are accountability systems in place to ensure learners stay committed to their learning journey?
4. Feedback 🔄
Foster continuous improvement by giving consistent & specific feedback.
Some questions to ask yourself:
How effectively are learners able to track their progress towards their goals?
Are learners able to receive real-time feedback?
What scaffolds do learners need to improve?
Do learners have access to resources & support for overcoming obstacles & setbacks?
5. Task Complexity 🕸️
Gradually increase the difficulty of tasks to challenge your learners and promote skill development over time.
Some questions to ask yourself:
Are there opportunities for learners to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to tackle more complex tasks?
In what ways can task complexity be varied across different learning levels to accommodate diverse needs?
How can you break down larger goals into manageable chunks to enhance clarity and focus?
In a Nutshell 🌰
And there you have it! With these principles and the accompanying questions, you’re equipped to design learning experiences that spark curiosity, drive growth, and lead learners on a journey of discovery.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your favourite pen, and let’s promise to set better goals for your learners!