We've all been there: staring blankly at a lesson plan, wondering how to help us understand the lesson better. It can feel like a million ways to approach any topic. But the truth is, that every effective lesson boils down to one element: a clear learning target.
A well-crafted learning target guides you toward academic success. It provides a roadmap for what you should aim for when you're studying for an exam, say the DATs. With clear expectations and a shared understanding of the learning process, learning targets help create a more focused and productive learning environment.
What Is a Learning Target?
A learning target is a clear and specific statement that describes the intended learning outcome or objective for a lesson or unit of study. It provides a concise focus on what you are expected to know, understand, or be able to do as a result of the instruction.
Learning targets guide students by setting clear expectations, helping to measure progress, and providing a framework for effective assessment.
They serve as a roadmap for learning, providing you with a clear understanding of the purpose and expected achievement of the lesson or unit.
For example, if you are a student working on improving your math skills for dental school or optometry admissions, your learning target could be: "I will be able to solve multi-step algebraic equations by applying the correct order of operations and identifying key variables."
The Power of Student-Friendly Language
The best learning targets are the ones you truly understand. When you can see where you're headed, you can take ownership of their learning.
So how do we translate academic jargon into something you can connect with? Instead of saying "analyze," for example, we might say "break down." Instead of "evaluate," we could say "judge."
Elementary school teachers have concrete examples of K - 5 Learning Targets, starting with "I can." We can channel that same energy, regardless of grade level, to make learning goals feel accessible.
Beyond "I Can" Statements
Often, you'll hear educators talk about using "I can" statements when writing learning targets. While there's nothing inherently wrong with "I can" statements, they can sometimes limit the scope of what a learning target can be. Instead, think of "I can" statements as just one tool.
Try experimenting with other ways to frame a learning target. Here are a few ideas:
- "How can I…?"
- "By the end of this lesson, I will be able to…"
- "What does it mean to…?"
These examples encourage active thinking from the get-go, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for engaging learning.
From Vague to Vibrant: Creating Engaging Learning Targets
We've talked about the "what" and "why" of learning targets. Now, how about the "how"? It's not always easy to turn complex ideas into clear, concise, student-friendly language.
Specificity Is Key: Ditch the Ambiguity
If a learning target is too broad or vague, it won't provide you with a clear roadmap for success. When learning targets lack clarity, you may wander without a clear understanding of what you're supposed to achieve. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of progress.
If you're a student aiming to be admitted to dental school, a learning target example is: "I will be able to accurately identify and label the anatomical structures of a human tooth, including the crown, root, pulp chamber, enamel, dentin, cementum, and periodontal ligament, in preparation for the dental school exam."
This specific learning target clearly outlines the specific knowledge and skills you are expected to acquire.
Making Learning Targets Actionable
It's not enough to just write down a learning target; we need to implement it.
Be Specific and Set Goals
When assessing your progress against learning targets, be specific about what you have accomplished and areas where you need improvement.
Track Your Progress
Keep a study journal or use study apps to track your daily progress, reflect on your learning outcomes, and adjust your study strategies accordingly.
Regularly reflect on your learning process, identify strengths and weaknesses, and brainstorm ways to enhance your understanding of the material.
Seek Additional Resources
If you encounter challenges in meeting your learning targets, don't hesitate to seek additional resources such as tutorials, online classes, practice questions from prep books, or study groups to support your learning journey.
Create Effective Learning Targets Today
Learning targets provide you with a clear path and tangible goals. This promotes growth, and sets you on the path to success.
Ready to enhance your academic success and achieve your learning goals? Orgoman has resources and tools that will help you reach your full potential! Make studying easier with effective learning targets today.