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Establishing Goals and Setting High Expectations Updated: Mar 27, 2007 by: 0 When I began my teaching career, a very wise teacher told me that the most challenged students need your highest expectations. It’s one of those simple statements that has worked for me in so many ways, whether I was teaching preschoolers or adult learners. Teacher expectations directly affect student learning. As you establish your goals and targets, reflect on your expectations. It’s imperative that these expectations are high. Consider how children learn their native language. Those of us who have acquired, or attempted to acquire, a second language understand that language acquisition is no small accomplishment. During informal research, parents of infants were asked if they expected their baby would learn to talk. As expected, all answered emphatically, "Yes!" How high are your expectations? Keep setting the bar for yourself at a very high level. Be aware that your tone of voice, gestures, and eye contact communicate your expectations. They can say, "You can do this!" or "You can try but we both know you won’t be successful." Consider the following steps in establishing goals for and with your class. 1. Bond with your students. 2. Talk with your students about what you want them to accomplish this year. 3. Discuss what goals need to be established in order for this to happen. 4. Post the goals. This article is based on an adapted excerpt from Book One in the New Teacher Collection, Six Powerful Strategies to Survive and Thrive Your First Year of Teaching, by Nancy Jo Mannix, © 2006. View information on the New Teacher Collection. |
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