Learning Goals Learning Goals and and

Success CriteriaSuccess Criteria

Learning Goals Learning Goals and and

Success CriteriaSuccess Criteria

October 2010October 2010

What is a learning goal?

A learning goal is the specific curriculum expectation re-phrased

in student friendly language.

Tips for Using Learning Goals Effectively

• Start small• Separate the learning goal from the activity

instructions• Tell pupils why they are learning it• Use child-friendly language• Ensure that students understand the language used• Make it visible in the classroom – ensure that it is

displayed throughout the learning • Allow time for discussion with students

What areSuccess Criteria?

Success criteria are ‘I can’ statements that specifically outline what the

students need to do in order to achieve their learning goal.

“…success criteria summarize the key steps or ingredients the student needs in order to fulfill the learning intention (goal) –

the main things to do, include or focus on.”

-Shirley Clarke(Ireland School Board)

Effective Success Criteria…

• Are linked to the learning goal• Are specific to an activity• Are discussed and agreed with students prior to

undertaking the activity• Provide a scaffold and focus for students while

engaged in the activity• Are used as the basis for feedback and peer/self

assessment

Why are Success Criteria Important?

• Improve understanding • Empower students • Encourage independent learning• Enable accurate feedback• Enable students to be accountable for

their learning* It is an easy way for teachers to use the

curriculum documents effectively and be accountable for your teaching *

Example of a Learning Goal with Success Criteria

Learning Goal:WALT (We Are Learning To…) * write a scary mystery story

Success Criteria:WILF (What I’m Looking For…)* set the scene in the opening paragraph* build up tension/suspense* use spooky adjectives and powerful verbs* end with a cliffhanger

Learning Goals• The ‘what’• WALT

Success criteria• How to recognize

success• WILF

From Learning Goal to Success Criteria

ActivityWALT

We are learning to create learning goals and success criteria.

WILF• I can identify the writing forms curriculum expectations for

my grade.• I can break the expectations down into student friendly

language• I can develop success criteria to enable students to be

accountable for their learning• I can begin each success criteria statement with the words ‘I

can…’• I can use the example on my table as an anchor

SummaryBenefits for Students• Students are more focused and interested, creating a positive

learning culture• Students are able to discuss their own work• Students are able to talk about how they are learning rather than

what they are learning• Success can be achieved by all students• Empowers students to become independent learners

Benefits for Teachers• Teachers are more sensitive to individuals’ needs/achievements• Relationships between teachers and students are more positive• Sharing learning intentions and success criteria at the beginning of

the lessons has resulted in teacher and students working more toward a common goal

• Planning is more effective/focused/ thoughtful• Feedback can be more focused

REMEMBER this isn’t all new but we need to be more systematic about using these approaches in our classroom.