Introduction to Goal Setting

 

Introduction to Goal Setting

Learning Objective

To help students (or anyone really) begin to understand the importance of setting goals to reach their dreams.

Vocabulary

road map, motivational

Competencies

Basic Skills: Listening; Writing

Information:

Interprets and communicates information

Instructions for Conducting the Activity

Brainstorm with students the different words we use to talk about what we want to do in the future such as:

• dreams

• hopes

• wishes

• wants

• goals

• aspirations

Ask students to write down short answers to the following questions:

• What were some dreams or hopes that I had for my life when I was a child?

• Did I have hopes or dreams about my career when I was younger?

• What hopes or dreams do I have for my life now?

• And what hopes or dreams do I have for my career now?

• How can I best reach my dreams?

• Where do I see myself in five years?

Students can share their answers in pairs or in a large group.

Brainstorm

Then, as a class, brainstorm reasons why it is important to have goals. Some answers might include:

• something to work toward

• need a road map

• motivational

• need something concrete

Have a plan

Basically, explain that when we see clearly what our goals are, then it is more likely that we will achieve them. You need to start with a goal in mind. Having a plan helps you get to where you want to go. It is important to remember that goals are not set in stone. Goals may change over time as we change.

Extension Activity

Have students practice writing goals through journals or prompts. Use a selection of those goals to illustrate the process of setting realistic goals.  Try and inspire other students to write their own goals.

Student Goal Scenarios

Put into practice what you have learned so far.  For each scenario, help the person choose goals for their situations.

1. Farouk moved here from Pakistan two years ago. His English is so-so, but he has a good job and he saved some money. Not wanting to live in an apartment anymore, Farouk is thinking about buying a house, but the financial system in the United States is very confusing to him.  He also doesn’t understand the culture of Americans and doesn’t have many friends. What are his goals for this year?

2. Min Wei is from China. She is at school to learn English. Being 65 years old, she went to the doctor. He said that she is not healthy right now. Also, she smokes because she is very stressed about her new life in the United States. Basically, being very lonely in the United States, she needs to meet friends and find a place to go for recreation. Her friend goes to the library, but Min doesn’t have a library card. Min knows some people go to community events, but she is shy and afraid.  What are her goals this year?

3. Luis moved here from the Dominican Republic five years ago. He speaks English but wants to learn more. He works now but doesn’t make much money. Luis could find a better job if he used computers, but he doesn’t know about computers.  Luis knows that he can be a citizen of the United States now because he has lived here for five years. What are his goals this year?

4. Blanca is from Ecuador. She moved here a year ago and is studying English. She has two kids, and they are in elementary school. They need help with homework, but she isn’t sure she is smart enough to help them not finishing high school.  Also, she doesn’t have a diploma or GED, but wants to get her GED. Blanca is also tired of taking the bus to pick up her children.  Although she has a car, but not a license. What are her goals for this year?

5. Nubar has many goals for the future. Some of his goals will take a long time, even if he works hard. He will study every day to get his GED. In about three years, he wants to start college to become a computer technician someday. Nubar and his girlfriend want to get married and have children sometime in the future. So, he will need a good job so he can help his family. What are his goals for this year?

Adapted and used with permission from the Lawrence Public Schools Adult Learning Center

Integrating Career Awareness into the ABE & ESOL Classroom