Learning Targets

Definition:

A learning target is a statement that describes what students should know or be able to do by the end of a learning segment. These are a "lesson-sized" amount of learning, or a "chunk" of content students can master in a lesson. They clarify for the teacher and convey to students the destination for a lesson.

The importance of learning targets:

For students: Regardless of how important the content, how engaging the activity, how formative the assessment, or how differentiated the instruction, unless all students see, recognize, and understand the learning target from the very beginning of the lesson the teacher will always be the only one providing the direction and focusing on getting students to meet the instructional objectives. The students, on the other hand, will focus on doing what the teacher says, rather than on learning. This is contrary to what we know about motivated, self-regulated, and intentional learning.

For teachers: Clarity of what you want students to learn in a lesson dramatically improves lessons, focusing teachers on how they will advance learning rather than on plugging in activities.

Effective Learning Targets:

• Are specific

• Are connected to larger, longer range learning goals

• Are understood by all students

• Help students answer the following questions:

  • • What will I be able to do when I've finished this lesson?

    • What idea, topic, or subject is important for me to learn and understand so that I can do this?

    • How will I show that I can do this, and how well will I have to do it?

• Describe what success looks like

• Inform teacher formative and student self-assessment

References:

Moss, C., Brookhart, S., Long, B. (2011). Knowing your learning target. ASCD. Retrieved from: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/knowing-your-learning-target

Moss, C. & Brookhart, S. (2012). Chapter 1. Learning targets: A theory of action. In Learning targets: Helping students aim for understanding in today’s lesson. Alexandria, VA: ASCD