Setting meaningful goals that are both challenging and motivating is a critical part of the learning process. It is important to set goals that are big enough to capture the vision and complexity of what is being learned, but are specific enough to be clear, objective, and measurable. Articulating a goal helps to develop a plan to achieve it and to identify the tools or resources that will best support the learning along the way. Knowing the goal helps to monitor progress, recognize when to shift strategies or direction, and to give meaningful feedback.

• Use prompts and scaffolds to estimate effort, resources, and challenge.
• Use models or examples of the process and product of goal-setting.
• Use guides and checklists for scaffolding goal-setting.
• Post goals, objectives, and schedules in an obvious place.