Learning with S.M.A.R.T. Goals

The learning process can sometimes seem overly complicated, especially when different teaching philosophies are used from one type of learning facility—or even one instructor—to the next. Students may feel confused or frustrated without a proper framework and learning process. And with technology being used to help students learn both inside the classroom and to facilitate online learning, students may feel like they’re not connected to their instructors or to the learning materials.

By introducing a unified learning style, students at any level can absorb and retain new information, and learn to apply that information both in practice in class and outside of their educational settings. This can serve as a litmus test for the success of the learning process.
Introducing a new learning process

One effective learning process, the SMART system, has its origins in the business world, and is used often in project management, personal development and performance evaluation. The SMART system is goal-oriented and results-driven, which makes it a good fit for the learning process. SMART can give students the tools they need to work toward achieving a specific set of goals, as well as keep them on track throughout the learning process.

The story behind SMART is simple: SMART is a mnemonic device used to make it easier to remember what each letter stands for. Each letter has a guiding term along with a number of secondary, or minor, terms to help give meaning to the mnemonic and to help guide the student to understand what the system can do to help them.
Breaking down SMART

The primary term for "S" is "specific" and is fleshed out with the terms "significant," "stretching" and "simple." "M" means "measurable" as well as "meaningful," "motivational" and manageable. "A" means "attainable," "appropriate," "achievable" and several more terms. "R" equals "relevant," "results-oriented," "realistic," "resourced" and "resonant." "T" means "timely," "time-oriented," "time framed," "trackable" and more.

The SMART system asks students to take responsibility for their learning successes by tracking their achievements within the system’s parameters. Students are asked to set specific and reasonable learning goals that they wish to achieve, as opposed to something more general, which will help the student focus more clearly. Students are encouraged to ask themselves certain questions such as "What do I want to accomplish?" and "Who is involved?" Measuring goals helps the students create landmarks along their way to learning success by asking questions such as "How much do I need to learn or do to achieve my goal?"
Making goals attainable is important so that the students do not set themselves up for failure. Students can make an honest assessment by asking if they feel the goal is in fact achievable and how they can make it happen. Time-bound goal-setting makes the learning process trackable and gives the students a target date for when they should have reached their goals. Whether your student is enrolled in a traditional school or taking classes at an online university, linking your goals to a time table can help you both stay on track.

The SMART system can give students a road map in their learning process and a concrete means to reach their goals. With the use of technology, the introduction of new subjects and learning styles, staying on track and achieving academic success can be a challenge. But with SMART, students can chart their own course toward good grades and more effective learning retention.