An Instructional Approach to Writing SMART Goals

Abstract

Obtaining a degree is not the ultimate end goal; it is only one of many goals needed to ensure financial and professional success. Establishing a plan to success by writing specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals (SMART) should be utilized by both fulltime graduate students and working professionals in graduate school. The purpose of this instructional design project was to create and evaluate a web-based module that provides participants with step-by-step instructions, examples and resources to writing short- and long-term goals, using the SMART method. Pre- and post-assessments were embedded into the module for participants to practice their writing skills and a rubric was also embedded to promote self-efficacy. Survey results from pre- and post-assessments indicate that the instructional module was simply designed and content was easily understood. However, the instructional module did not provide the instructional scaffolding needed for participants to write SMART goals proficiently, as reported by pre- and post-assessment rubric scores. Suggestions for improvement include definition of short- and long- term goals, development of content, integration of audio, instant response embedded activities and navigation tools throughout the web site.