The University of Arizona

Faculty Corner: Lesson 1 - Goal Setting and Achievement

Content/Organization/Overview

This lesson explores the characteristics of long term and short term goals to assist students in defining specific, realistic goals and gives strategies and examples for taking a goal and breaking it down into steps necessary to achieve success.

Common problems students have with goal setting:

  • Students tend to be vague in expressing goals. Examples of vague goals are, 'get a good job' or 'make lots of money.'
  • Students have difficulty with planning for long term goals
  • Follow through is another common problem with goal setting
  • Often students are not aware of the resources available to them to help them achieve their goals

For discussion:

  • Compare vague and specific goals with students
  • Resources available to assist students in achieving their goals

Activities and Assignments that would complement this lesson:

  • Have students practice breaking down goals and planning for their completion

Follow up:

  • It may be helpful for students to work on a specific semester goal for the class, with strict deadlines for steps and assigned dates for their completion. Have them turn in mid-semester and end-of-semester progress reports.