Learning Targets

A learning target unpacks a "lesson-sized" amount of learning. It describes how well we expect students to learn it and how we will ask them to demonstrate that learning. Learning targets frame the lesson from the students' point of view, which helps students grasp the lesson's purpose. When crafting a learning target think about answering these three questions from the student's point of view:

    1. What will I be able to do when I've finished this lesson?
    2. What idea, topic or subject is important for me to learn and understand?
    3. How will I show that I can do this, and how well will I have to do it?

This document from ASCD illustrates this process with examples for younger and older students.

Excerpt from Educational Leadership: "What Students Need to Learn". March 2011

learning targets 2 (1).mp4

Jana Kaatz' 4th graders from Pleasant Lake tell us their thoughts about learning targets.