How to Write Learning Targets and Success Criteria
Writing effective learning targets and success criteria is essential for creating a structured and goal-oriented educational environment. These tools help both teachers and students understand what is expected to be learned and achieved in a particular lesson or unit. In this article, we will discuss the steps to write clear and concise learning targets and success criteria that promote student engagement and academic success.
Understanding the Difference Between Learning Targets and Success Criteria
Before diving into the process of writing learning targets and success criteria, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Learning targets are broad, high-level statements that outline what students are expected to learn. On the other hand, success criteria are specific, measurable indicators that define the level of proficiency required to meet the learning target.
Step 1: Start with the Big Idea
To begin writing learning targets, start by identifying the big idea or essential question that the lesson or unit is designed to address. This will help ensure that the learning target is focused and relevant to the overall curriculum. For example, if the lesson is about photosynthesis, the big idea might be “Students will understand how plants convert light energy into chemical energy.”
Step 2: Write a Clear, Concise Learning Target
Once you have identified the big idea, craft a learning target that is clear and concise. The learning target should be written in a way that is easy for students to understand and should include both the verb (what students will do) and the noun (what students will learn). For the photosynthesis example, a learning target might be: “Students will describe the process of photosynthesis and explain the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide in producing glucose and oxygen.”
Step 3: Develop Specific Success Criteria
After writing the learning target, develop success criteria that outline the specific behaviors, skills, or knowledge that students must demonstrate to meet the target. These criteria should be measurable and observable, and they should reflect a range of proficiency levels. For the photosynthesis example, success criteria might include:
– Students can correctly label the stages of photosynthesis on a diagram.
– Students can explain the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide in photosynthesis using their own words.
– Students can create a model of a plant cell and identify the organelles involved in photosynthesis.
Step 4: Review and Refine
Once you have written the learning target and success criteria, take the time to review and refine them. Make sure that the learning target is aligned with the curriculum standards and that the success criteria are appropriate for the students’ age and ability level. It is also important to ensure that the learning target and success criteria are student-friendly and easy to understand.
Conclusion
Writing learning targets and success criteria is a crucial step in the educational process. By following these steps, teachers can create a clear and structured learning environment that promotes student engagement and academic success. Remember to keep the learning target focused on the big idea, write it concisely, and develop specific, measurable success criteria to guide student learning.
