Many students say, "I want to speak English better." It is true and it is useless. You cannot see it. A good goal is small, dated and countable.
Ask why
Find the reason behind the wish.
Where will you use English? Work, travel, school, family?
The answer points to the words and situations to practise.
Turn it into a sentence
Make the goal a sentence you can finish.
By June, I can give a five-minute update in my team meeting.
Make it countable
Choose something you can count.
Five minutes without stopping. Ten new words used. One phone call in English.
Set a date
A goal without a date is a wish.
In eight weeks.
Check every month
Look at the goal together. Too easy? Make it bigger. Too hard? Make it smaller.
Write it down
Students keep the card, or you both keep a copy. A written goal is a promise.
Words to remember
- goal — something you want to finish
- countable — something you can count
- update — news about your work
- promise — something you say you will do
Questions & answers
Q: What if the student's goal is too big?
Keep the big dream, and choose a small first step. The dream is the direction.
Q: How many goals should we have?
One main goal, and two small weekly steps.
Q: What if the student does not know what they want?
Ask about a recent difficult moment. The goal often hides there.
Q: Should parents see the goal?
For children, yes. A parent who knows the goal can help at home.
Q: How do I show progress?
Record the student once a month. Old and new recordings show the change.