As we are working on answering the question "What do we want students to learn?", it is important to have a shared vocabulary when talking about the goals that we have for student learning.
Standards vs. Learning Targets
Statements about what students should know and be able to do are written at a variety of different levels of "grain size." Grain size refers to how much or how little information and skill is included in the statement of the learning objective. National or state standards, such as the Common Core State Standards or the Next Generation Science Standards, are examples of large grain size objectives; they are written for teachers and typically encompass significant instructional outcomes that must be developed over time. Learning targets are small grain size objectives and are derived from the standards through an unwrapping process. Written in student-friendly language, they are statements of short term goals, typically outlining what the students should know or be able to do by the end of today's lesson.
Why Use Learning Targets?
There is a large body of research that indicates that when students are clear about the learning target (the goal statement that describes the intended learning) they perform significantly better than students who are given goals that focus on task completion. According to Rick Stiggins, "Students can hit any target they can see that holds still for them." In addition, when students are aware of what the learning targets are, they are better able to reflect on their learning and to assess their own growth.
Learn More
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| Click here for real SAS examples! |
- Watch this 5 minute video which features examples of Puxi HS teachers sharing learning targets with their students.
- View this presentation from Newport Independent Schools. It provides a nice overview with clear visuals explaining what learning targets are and specific examples from different content areas.
- Read "Knowing Your Learning Target", a short, informational article from Educational Leadership.
- Talk with your instructional coach to get individualized support.
