Goal Setting Theory - Learning Goals

New Directions in Goal-Setting Theory - Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2006)

After reading the New Direction article by Locke and Latham, I found myself still thinking about the Learning Goals theory. I believe this stuck with me because it has been something I have practiced and tried to share with my students but never been able to put a name to it. This article furthers my understanding of the theory by further acknowledging how it enhances metacognition which is the fundamental aspects of success.

‘We believe that a learning goal facilitates or enhances metacognition—namely, planning, monitoring, and evaluating progress toward goal attainment. Metacognition is particularly necessary in environments in which there is minimal structure or guidance.’

I am reinforced with the concept of focusing on the processes that lead to accomplishing difficult goals, rather than focusing on the performance outcome.

In a professional context, I think it is important to share in the classroom because many students cannot see the benefits of the process on a single objective. The idea of committing and seeing success throughout the process is important in accomplishing the specific, difficult goals. With this theory students can see success along the path and appreciate the growth involved in reaching their difficult goals.

For myself, I think less of motivation and more self-discipline. Commitment to the tasks involved in completing the process required for success. Without the small objectives, benchmarks even, you can lose sight of the specific goal.