Target Setting

Target Setting

In Scottish education, effective target setting with pupils requires careful planning and meaningful learner conversations to ensure personalised and achievable goals.

• Teachers begin by reviewing assessment data, previous progress, and individual learning needs to establish realistic and challenging targets aligned with Curriculum for Excellence benchmarks or course content.

• During learner conversations, teachers create a supportive environment where pupils reflect on their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals.

• Discussions should be learner-centred, encouraging ownership of learning and fostering a growth mindset.

• Regular check-ins and ongoing feedback ensure targets remain relevant and provide opportunities for learners to adapt their strategies with teacher support.

By embedding target setting within everyday learning, teachers empower learners to take responsibility for their progress, promoting confidence and motivation in their educational journey.

Practical ideas for successful target setting with meaningful learner conversations across different educational stages in Scotland:

Early Years (Nursery – P1)

• Visual Goal Setting: Use picture cards or simple symbols to help young children understand their targets, such as "I will try to write my name" or "I will listen carefully at story time."

• Learning Journals: Keep individual learning journals with photos or drawings to track progress and discuss achievements in an age-appropriate way.

• One-to-One Conversations: Have short, informal chats where children reflect on what they enjoy and what they would like to get better at, using open-ended questions like, "What do you want to try next?"

• Reward Charts & Stickers: Use sticker charts or "learning trees" where children can visually track their progress towards simple goals.

• Parental Involvement: Share small targets with parents and carers to reinforce learning at home in a play-based way. Digital tools can support this.