Goal Setting for Academic Success

Goals which measure academic success might include:
     ▪an increase in grade point average,
     ▪improvement in note taking effectiveness, or
     ▪increased usage of an effective study system.
     
Improvement in any area requires clear behavioral goals, clear outcomes and measurable ways to monitor your goal-oriented behavior. Goals need to well-defined so that they an be stated as an outcome, specified as actions, and numerically measurable.  You need to be able to define goals using each of these three criteria. The magnitude of improvement in goals is influenced by the clarity of goal statements.

Effective Goal Setting for College Students

Doing well in college requires goals to be set in multiple areas, which will. . .

improve my problem identification and problem-solving skills.
help me allocate time to important activities;
help me understand the institutional structure and rules of the college;
help me communicate and listen effectively in academic situations;
help me understand my textbook and improve my note taking skills;
improve my test preparation and test taking skills;
help me reduce stress due to college life and academic rigor;
help me improve self-motivation and determination; and
help me improve my long term memory.

How do you develop self determination and motivation?

     Evaluate your reasons for attending college. Are they realistic? Meaningful?
     Evaluate your occupational aptitude and interests. What occupational goals are most suitable for you? What educational program is most appropriate for you?
     What is the relationship between your courses and your career plans? What knowledge and skills are required for your chosen career? How will these courses help me acquire the necessary training?
     Seek work experiences related to your chosen career. Are opportunities for related volunteer work available? Are appropriate part-time or summer jobs available?
     Set short-term educational goals for yourself. What grade do you want to make in each course? What must be done to earn the grade you desire?
     Keep a visual record of my progress in each course. Are you making satisfactory grades on assignments and tests? Which courses require additional effort to achieve your goals?
     Develop more efficient study skills. What are your how-to-study strengths and weaknesses? How can you get help in improving your study skills?

Goal Setting & Problem Definition
When setting a goal, consider each of these areas.

Behavior. What things do you do or what habits do you have that may decrease your academic performance?
Affect. This is your emotional state. What feelings and emotions do you have that are troublesome, that you believe interfere with your performance?
Sensation. This is your physical state -- headaches, muscle tension, etc. that affect your performance. What physical reactions interfere with your performance?
Imagery. This is your imaginative state -- daydreams, images, etc. -- that may be unpleasant and hamper your performance. Do you have any?
Cognition. This is made up of your beliefs, values, thoughts, and truths. Do you have any that contradict or interfere with your academic and social goals?
Interpersonal. This consists of your relationships with family and friends, which can be helpful or detrimental -- supportive or unsupportive -- to your performance. Do you have any relationships that are unsupportive?
Drugs. This reflects your physical and mental health as a result of any medicines or drugs you may take to modify the state of your health. If you're drowsy or high a large part of the time, this will interfere with your learning and academic performance. Are there any drugs that interfere with your performance?

Self Awareness - Achieving Goals Proficiently

Think of a skill or activity that you perform well, e.g. playing the piano, roller skating, cooking, tennis, etc. Focus on your attitudes and behaviors that helped you become proficient and maintain your level of skill. Become more aware of the importance of thinking and attitude and actions required to build and maintain a skill or behavior. What strategies did you use to become proficient in at least one skill or behavior that you have excelled at?

Achievement Through Goal Setting

Rank the following study behaviors from most important to least important.
Describe how you will accomplish the top 10 from your list. 

1. Improve time management
2. Improve self-concept
3. Control interferences
4. Improve classroom listening skills
5. Improve reading comprehension
6. Study regularly
7. Study in a quiet place
8. Use sources of help
9. Learn and use college rules and policies
10. Learn to balance obligations
11. Keep commitments
12. Plan assignments in advance
13. Use an effective note-taking system
14. Review at least three times weekly
15. Take lecture and textbook notes
16. Be consistent
17. Say no often
18. Learn to be an independent thinker
19. Participate actively in class
20. Reduce nervous tension during tests
21. Reduce alcohol and/or drug dependence, including caffeine
22. Use an effective reading system

Write down the courses you are taking this term. What grades you expect to obtain?
Write an action plan that includes use of faculty, campus resources, and your study plan. Be specific!