We asked our Educators Rising students how much they’d been encouraged to set their own learning goals and track their own progress and what effect that had on their academic success.
Getting things done so you can rest
I’m encouraged to set learning goals, but I emphasize the importance of trial and error. I have to remind myself to not feel discouraged after an error on my homework, for example, and strive to keep trying and learn from my mistakes.
I tend to keep track of my progress in my learning journey through rest. If I set a goal to finish all my tasks for school, the end goal is to rest on the weekend and not have that pending thought that I need to complete my assignments. When I discovered on my faith journey that Saturday was a rest day, I made it a goal to complete most of my assignments before Saturday so I could rest and dedicate my rest to God. I work six days a week and rest one like God did during the creation. This particular goal has affected my academic journey in a positive way as it helps me understand the importance of time and rest and helps me develop my time management skills.
Isamar Zuniga
Sophomore
University of Texas at San Antonio
Getting beyond grades
In high school, I was a little less motivated to set specific learning goals. I always had grades that were just fine, so I was never looking to really improve. Now that I am starting my first year in college, I am feeling much more motivated to set goals and track my progress. I have to work much harder in college than I did in high school, and this means setting goals and striving for the best I can.
I am also much more interested now in my courses, as I know they are leading me to my teaching license, which is very motivating. I am just starting college, so I can’t say yet whether my grades have improved, but I can say this approach has made me much more confident and excited going into my classes.
Lexi Lieb
Freshman
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Goals motivate
Setting my own learning goals and tracking progress toward mastery would make me feel more in control of my education. It would help me focus on what I need to improve and ensure I’m staying on track. This approach could improve my academic success because I’d be able to identify my weaknesses early and adjust my study habits. I think it would make me a more self-motivated and independent learner.
Char’Tayvious Edwards
Freshman
Meridian Community College
Meridian, Mississippi
Goals promote engagement and
self-discipline
As a future educator, I think setting my own learning goals and tracking my progress are incredibly important. When I choose what I want to focus on, I’m more engaged, which helps the learning feel more relevant to me and my career goals. For example, if I’m passionate about inclusive education — ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, have equal opportunities to learn by adapting teaching methods to meet diverse needs — I can set goals to deepen my understanding in that area.
Tracking my progress helps me stay on top of things and quickly notice if I’m falling behind. It’s a way to hold myself accountable and ensure I’m always improving. This approach also builds self-discipline and time management skills, which are crucial for any educator. Overall, being in charge of my learning keeps me motivated and better prepares me for the challenges of teaching. It’s a way to take ownership of my education and set myself up for success in the classroom.
Shae’Aunna Johnson
Freshman
Bossier Parish College
Bossier, Louisiana
Knowing what to strive for
Throughout my time in middle/high school, I was constantly reminded that I have to want to succeed. With this came setting goals for myself. My goals ranged from finishing a class book to making an A on my test to now making the dean’s list in college.
Throughout my time in middle/high school, I was constantly reminded that I have to want to succeed. With this came setting goals for myself. My goals ranged from finishing a class book to making an A on my test to now making the dean’s list in college.
I understand that setting a goal doesn’t mean I will always reach it, but I know that I can strive to do so. Because I did this in high school and middle school, the transition to college was pretty smooth when it came to setting academic goals.
It is so important to also set goals that are not unrealistic and that are in your control. Setting a goal that is not in your control or unrealistic could leave you feeling let down.
Journey Elizabeth Harris
Sophomore
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
