Blog 8: Having students set a daily SMART Goal is a best practice

Saria Nixon
Mar 4
2 min read

Updated: Jul 25

A Clear Direction

One of the best things about SMART goals is that they give students a clear direction. Instead of setting a vague goal like "do better in math," a student can set a SMART goal like "increase my math test scores by 10% over the next semester by studying for an extra hour each week." This way, students know exactly what they need to do to reach their goals (Excel and Evolve, 2024).

Boosting Motivation and Engagement

SMART goals can also boost motivation and engagement. When students have clear, achievable goals, they're more likely to stay motivated and committed. For example, if a student sets a goal to "read 20 books by the end of the year," they can track their progress and celebrate each milestone, which keeps them excited and engaged (Helpful Professor, 2023).

Improving Time Management and Organization

Time management is crucial for success, and SMART goals can help students develop this skill. By setting time-bound goals, students learn to prioritize their tasks and manage their time effectively. For instance, a student might set a goal to "complete all homework assignments by 8 PM each day," which helps them create a balanced schedule and avoid procrastination (College Ave, 2024).

Fostering a Growth Mindset

SMART goals encourage students to adopt a growth mindset, which means believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance. By setting challenging yet achievable goals, students learn to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth. For example, a student might set a goal to "improve my public speaking skills by giving a presentation in class every month," which helps build confidence and resilience (Success in Depth, 2024).

Enhancing Academic Performance

Research shows that goal setting can positively impact academic performance. When students set specific, measurable goals, they're more likely to achieve higher grades and perform better in their studies. For example, a student who sets a goal to "achieve an A in biology by the end of the semester" can create a study plan, seek additional resources, and monitor their progress to stay on track (OTAN, 2024).

Technology for Setting and Monitoring SMART Goals

In today's digital world, there are tons of tools and resources that can help students set and monitor their SMART goals. However after much research, I did not find exactly what I was looking to answer my specific student goal and reflective requirements. The apps I found were geared toward adults and businesses, which leaves an opportunity to develop something from the ground up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SMART goal setting is an essential practice for students that offers numerous benefits, including enhanced focus and clarity, increased motivation and engagement, improved time management and organization, the development of a growth mindset, and improved academic performance. By leveraging technology, students can set and monitor their SMART goals more effectively, ensuring they stay on track and achieve their objectives.