Developing Purpose, as outlined in Vector 6 in Denice Hood’s presentation, is key to student focus and achievement. A student who has established a goal and is working toward an end result is much more likely to avert distractions in their social and academic life. Once a student chooses a path that leads to a positive outcome, it is easier for them to make hard choices concerning the allocation of resources and time management.

It might be necessary to point out the difference between a goal and a wish. Student goals should be realistic and clearly defined. Goals should correlate with student ability and be specific enough that it will be easily determined if the goal was met. With the help of a teacher or guidance counselor, students should chart a path toward success by defining strategies and developing an action plan that leads toward achievement.

It is difficult for students to grasp how their actions during K-12 education can affect their life and career beyond graduation. I wish that we could take more time as educators or guidance counsellors to have meaningful conversations with each student and help them realize that their actions today will shape their future. I strongly believe that the key to inspiring students to adopt a purpose is to develop and nurture teacher/student connections.

I plan to start a new tradition in my classroom this year. On the first day of school, I will give each student a piece of paper and an envelope with their name on it. I will ask them to write down three goals that they would like to realize during the semester. One goal will need to be related to my class, one to general school achievement and one to social behavior. I will then instruct them to put their goals in the envelope and seal it. On the last day of the semester, I will hand the envelopes back to students so they can self-assess whether their goals were met. Here are some examples that I will present to my classes as possibilities:

Examples of semester goals:

♦Good Grade(s) on a Quiz or Test
♦Participate in a new extra-curricular club or activity
♦Perfect attendance
♦Arrive on time to class
♦Successfully speak in front of class
♦Use a new technology tool
♦Turn in homework on time….no zeros or late work
♦Achieve Semester Honor Roll
♦Be kind to a person in need
♦Check email and Google Classroom every day
♦Be open minded/show effort with assignment or activity you initially dislike
♦Be respectful in class – always
♦Read a book that hasn’t been assigned
♦Write a handwritten thank you note to someone who you appreciate
♦Smile at someone who looks lonely
♦Help a neighbor without being asked
♦Create your own goal – think big!

Teachers have so many areas in which we are expected to achieve goals and produce results. Inspiring students to learn and grow as they chart a path to their future is perhaps the most important.