Using the Ultranet for personal learning goals

Personal Learning Goals Personal learning goals are about students becoming active participants in the learning process, empowering them to become independent learners, and motivating them to achieve their full potential. Within the Ultranet, all students will have an eXpress space. This is a personal space for: Students to create a list of learning goals that are captured in the Ultranet. Students to reflect on their progress against the learning goals throughout the year. Teachers to comment on learning goals and reflections, with the potential to replace some of the requirements on existing student reports.

Getting started….. What are SMART goals? Specific Measurable Actions Realistic Timely Think about the purpose and pedagogy relating to Learning Portfolios Who is responsible for Learning Goals? How will students reflect on their work How do students use Learning Portfolios to show evidence of learning or achieving Learning Goals

Smart Goals - Specific A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six "W" questions: Who: Who is involved? What: What do I want to accomplish? (could link to a VELS domain Melbourne Goals) Where: Identify a location When: Establish a time frame Which: Identify requirements and constraints Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal, could relate to a VELS progression point. Example: I would like to be better at …. because …….

Smart Goals - Measurable Your goal should be such that when you are through you have some tangible evidence of completion. Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as......How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished? Map your progress by including and linking to evidence in your learning portfolio. Example: I know I will have achieved my goal when I ….. I will know that I am improving when …..

Smart Goals - Actions You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Your goal should be set by you rather by someone else. You know best your strengths and weaknesses, and can use this information to maximise your chance of success. Example: I can achieve my goal by ….. (outline your strategy)

Smart Goals - Realistic Don’t plan to do things if you are unlikely to follow through. Better to plan only a few things and be successful than to plan many and be unsuccessful. Success breeds success! Start small, with what you can do, experience the joys of meeting your goal, and then increase the amount of challenge you give yourself. Example: I can seek help from ….. I will aim to complete by … then (set short term successes) The first thing I can do is ….. the second thing I can to is …

Smart Goals - Timely A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there's no sense of urgency. Example: I will achieve my goal by …..(set milestone dates) I will achieve my goal by …..(set an end date)

Reporting on Learning Goals The Ultranet will provide an ongoing space where parents, students and teachers can see the status of student goals and achievements. At the end of specific tasks or units students need the (structured) opportunity on reflect upon their achievements and set new goals for improvement.