Question

How can students benefit by setting, monitoring, and evaluating their own learning goals? How can teachers assist students in this process?

Answer 1

Many a times parents and teachers set unrealistic goals for children which often lead to the children becoming disappointed in their own selves and abilities. It is important to remember that each child has their own pace of learning and it is best for the child himself to set his own goals. By doing so, the child is able to monitor his own pace and achieves a sense of achievement when he is able to reach his own goals. When a child is unable to reach his goal, he is able to evaluate his actions and what he needs to change in order to achieve it in the future. This whole process of setting, monitoring, and evaluating helps the child in being practical and have an internal locus of control for his own success. It also makes the child more responsible and at the same time, increases the child's self-esteem and have a good self-efficacy.

   It is important for teachers and parents to assist and support their child, and help them in this process without being controlling or dominating. It is important that the end goal is for the child to learn at his own pace and development. Teachers can make this role fun by creating charts and tables to assess the progress made.