Learning Targets

PLCMarch 14, 2013

What is a Learning Target?

• Discuss this question with a shoulder partner. Be prepared to share your thoughts!

Our Learning Target for Today…

•I can write clear learning targets!

Research-based Strategies

5 Research-based strategies that significantly improve student learning:Sharing criteria (clear learning targets with

success criteria)– Questioning– Feedback– Peer assessment– Self-assessment

Clear Learning Targets

Clear Learning Targets should be:• a measurable achievement

expectation of what students should know and be able to do – i.e. learning targets should be VERY SPECIFIC

• taught in 1-2 lessons• written in student-friendly language

– ex. I can solve a multi-step equation.

Sharing the Learning Target

• A four-step framework (from the student’s POV) for verbally sharing the learning target:1. What will I be able to do when I finish today’s

lesson?2. What idea, topic, or subject is important for me to

learn and understand so that I can use this information to do it?

3. How will I be asked to show that I can do this?4. How well will I have to do it?

• It is your mission to help students understand why you are asking them to learn this information.

Are These Learning Targets?

What do you think?• Complete a senior project• Build a bird Feeder• Use a band saw safely• Analyze a lab report• Construct a diorama

A Mathematics Example

• Math• Decimals

• Page 152 in the book• Going on a decimal hunt

• I can read decimals and put them in order

Subject

Topic

Assignment

Activity

Learning Target

Clear vs. Unclear

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Each group will work with assigned learning target. If your target is clear, rewrite to make unclear. If your target is unclear, rewrite to make clear.

Learning Targets

• Knowledge• Reasoning• Performance/

skills• Products

Knowledge Targets Mastery of substantive subject content where mastery includes both knowing and understanding it.

Reasoning Targets The ability to use knowledge and understanding to figure things out and to solve problems.

Performance/Skill Targets The development of proficiency in doing something where the process is most important.

Product Targets The ability to create tangible products that meet certain standards of quality and present concrete evidence of academic proficiency.  

Activity

• Find a partner (or group of 3)• In the packet you will find the four types of

learning targets and several sentences (targets).

• Sort the sentences (targets) into the correct category.

Knowledge Examples• Identify metaphors and

similes• Read and write quadratic

equations• Describe the function of a cell

membrane• Know the multiplication

tables• Explain the effects of an acid

on a base

Reasoning Examples• Use statistical methods to

describe, analyze, evaluate, and make decisions.

• Make a prediction based on evidence.

• Examine data/results and propose a meaningful interpretation.

• Distinguish between historical fact and opinion.

Performance/Skills Examples• Measure mass in metric and

SI units• Use simple equipment and

tools to gather data• Read aloud with fluency and

expression• Participates in civic

discussions with the aim of solving current problems

• Dribbles to keep the ball away from an opponent

Product Examples• Construct a bar graph• Develop a personal health-

related fitness plan• Construct a physical model of

an object• Write a term paper to

support a thesis

Without Clear Targets We Can’t Do Any of the Following…

• Know if the assessment adequately covers and samples what we taught.

• Correctly identify what students know and don’t know and their level of achievement.

• Plan next steps in instruction.• Give detailed, descriptive feedback to students.• Have students self-assess or set goals likely to

help them learn more.• Keep track of student learning target by target

or standard by standard.

UNTIL NEXT TIME….

• REMINDERS….– Post EQs and

Learning Targets on board and refer to them often throughout lesson.

– Using Learning Targets supports NC Teacher Standards 4b and 4h!

– Send Newsletter info ASAP

• TO THINK ABOUT…– Questions?– Concerns?

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