At their first lesson, each student will work with me to set goals for their progress over the fall. They'll receive this handout which we'll use to jot down their goals as well as a chart where we'll track their progress.
I'm planning on using a good portion of the beginning of the lesson working with each student to help set up specific goals. The handout has space for them to decide how much they should practice each day, how many days they want to try and practice a week, how many pieces they'd like to memorize, and skills they'd like to improve. In addition to that, there are a few extra projects they can attempt; working on a composition or completing a special research project on a variety of topics.
Each week we'll revisit those goals, and every goal met will move them one step further along their chart. Every 5 spaces will earn them a star on the wall of fame!
I sent this handout out along with my September newsletter detailing the specifics of the incentive.
I'm really hoping that setting concrete goals will help my students make consistent progress through the term, and that meeting those goals will help them feel successful from week to week.
Has anyone else ever attempted a similar practice incentive? How did it go?
I have not tried formal goal setting, the kind where the goal is recorded, but I do think that the student setting his own goal is much more effective than the teacher choosing. I would like to know how different age groups respond. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea for motivation, and I love the fact that it is so individualized!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I've been really pleased by the student responses so far. It's been fun to see the wheels turning and see whether or not their expectations line up with mine. I'm hoping that this will get them thinking about their part in making learning a success! :)
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