Setting Goals for the Semester

As you progress through a semester, it is important to continuously assess your progress and set new goals for yourself. This is an important thing to do because it makes you more aware of how you are performing and helps you to create a focused path for the remainder of the term. Furthermore, setting goals helps you to better organize your limited time and resources available as well as improve your motivation

Assess Your Progress:

The first step to goal-setting is to assess your current progress. This includes knowing the grades you have received as well as the study habits you used to get them. Make a note of whether you have been doing things like reading the textbook, taking notes in class, completing your homework or thoroughly reviewing before tests. It is also important to assess how well you understand the course material as well as if your grades match your perceived understanding.

Decide What You Want from the Class:

Before setting defined goals, it is important to think about what you want to get out of the class. Do you want a good grade to raise your GPA? Do you want a strong foundation on a topic that will be important later in your curriculum? Do you want to be more knowledgeable about a subject that interests you? Knowing what you specifically want from a course will give you the motivation to keep focused and continue to work hard.

Setting Goals:

Now that you know how you are doing in your courses and what you want to gain from them, it is time to set goals for yourself.

Set goals for things you would like to see occur. For example, maintaining or improving your grades, study habits or your understanding of certain topics. It is important that your goals are both reasonable and specific to keep you motivated and focused.

In addition to setting goals, you need to create a plan to help you reach them. To get the grades that you want, you must understand what study habits you will need to have. Also, you must assess if you need extra help and find out what resources are available to you. The internet may have additional explanations and examples of topics. Additionally, your teacher may be able to give you additional help outside of class. Don’t forget that MaThCliX is also a great resource!

Once you’ve set goals and created a plan for yourself, you will be on track for a focused and productive term. Following the ideas discussed above will help you stay motivated while providing with the skills and resources to get the most out the courses you are taking.