Picture this: You've started the new year with some really great New Year's resolutions that reflect your own stress-free teaching goals. But there is just one problem. You are starting to loose focus.
By the end of the first week of February however, you are back to where you had started from: you are unmotivated and uninspired to believe that you've given your teaching goals and objectives a fair chance to work. What happened?
Teachers Need to First Distinguish between Goals and Objectives
Teachers start the new year thinking that by writing a long list of goals, they are putting themselves in charge. But committing to a long list is not realistic and it is a sure recipe to even quicker burnout, which in the long run does not help you achieve anything.
In order to create a successful teaching plan for 2009, teachers need to first distinguish between objectives and goals. Here's the difference between goals and objectives:
- Goals ultimately represent the bigger picture or the end result. They should be broad enough so there is no room for questioning on your part as to why you want to do this. Where do you see yourself in one, two, three, nine months or by the end of the year?
- Objectives are the steps you need to do daily to accomplish your goals. Think of objectives as the means that you need to take to become the successful person or teacher you want to be.
Example of objectives: Walk for fifteen minutes every day.
Example of a teaching goal: Inspire and motivate students
Example of an objective: Create an engaging differentiated lesson that appeals to all levels of student ability.
Over time, small objectives do not always mean huge changes right away. But over time, these small objectives result in big changes.
Overall goals take time to achieve so don't stress out if you don't notice immediate results.
Monitor Your Overall Performance
It's not enough to simply write your goals and objectives. Make sure you put these goals in a place where you can see them. Look at them every single morning mindful of their purpose. Review them in your mind so you can start your day on track. Remember, your goals take time to achieve. Make sure you also change your attitude from wishing to "expecting." If you aren't motivating your students on a consistent basis, then perhaps you just need some more time. Continue to follow your track.
Teachers Always Need to Evaluate Their Progress to the Goal
On Friday, celebrate your progress with the knowledge that you are still following your plan. Remain on track in small persistent ways. Remember, little things have a bigger impact, so be kind!
Remember, creating stress-free teaching goals begins first and foremost with distinguishing between the goals and objectives that will help you become a successful teacher in the new year. With persistence, you will be able to create a successful teaching plan that will help you become the teacher of your dreams.
Dorit Sasson - Hello! I'm an ESL instructor, teacher diversity coach and writer for the educational markets who writes on English language learners ...
