Clarifying the meaning and purpose of goals is a universal design for learning (UDL) guideline that supports multiple means of engagement. The UDL guidelines were developed by an organization called CAST. This article will explore how teachers and other educators can help learners continue to concentrate on attaining their goals.
Clarifying the Meaning and Purpose of Goals in Universal Design for Learning
Clarifying the meaning and purpose of goals means supporting learners as they focus on how they will achieve learning objectives. Learners may easily be able to focus on a learning objective, or on their own set goals, at first. However, over time, learners may experience threats or distractions, as they work towards many goals at once. Therefore, learners need reminders about the value of learning objectives and goals, at every stage of their progress toward attainment of their goals. In addition, learners need to recognize how their goals have value not only in class, but for their lives and communities outside of school.
Teachers can use many strategies for clarifying the meaning and purpose of goals. For instance, teachers can prompt learners with reminders of the given learning objectives for an assignment. While some learners will need regular reminders, others may need fewer reminders as they gain skill in providing their own. In addition, teachers could post reminders of objectives that apply to the whole class, or learners’ individual goals, on:
- A wall in the classroom
- The main webpage of an online course
Similarly, teachers may require learners to monitor progress on a project in different ways, such as submission of:
- Drafts at different stages
- Progress reports
Teachers could ask each learner to explain in a draft or progress report how they have worked toward their objective or goal.
Moreover, teachers can show learners how to plan or strategize by thinking about one large goal as a series of smaller, more manageable steps. Learners can then think about how each of their goals consists of small steps to be completed. Finally, teachers can hold class discussions about how learners can achieve their goals in different ways that promote their interests or are meaningful in different cultural contexts.