Six steps for successful integration of mastery goals and assignments

In this article, we will learn six steps to successfully integrate mastery goals and assignments for your students.

Six steps for successful integration of mastery goals and assignments

Teachers can ensure each student has a successful personalized learning journey by pairing mastery goals and individualized assignments using the six steps given below.

Start with a Course Mastery Goal: As soon as you complete the rostering process for the new academic year, assign a Course Mastery Goal to all the students in your class. You can set the end of the academic year as the due date of the goal. Mastery Goals provide the "big picture" of what students should aim to learn. They set the path for the learning journey. For example, a Course Mastery Goal might be for students to achieve proficiency in Algebra I by the end of the school year.
Communicate your goal with students: It is suggested that teachers discuss with their students how mastery goals and assignments will be used together throughout the term so that everyone involved understands the plan moving forward. If your students are new to Khan Academy, then it is recommended that you also share their login credentials and help them log in to the Khan Academy platform.
Set Unit Mastery Goals: At the start of each unit, set Unit Mastery Goals which provide short-term learning goals for your students. Map out your Unit Mastery Goals- consider aligning them to the order of your curriculum. This will give you a roadmap for the year and help you plan your instruction.
Create Assignments Strategically: Once the path is set, Assignments guide students along the way. They provide focused, immediate practice on the skills and concepts students need to master at the moment that they need it. For example, if the Course Mastery Goal is to achieve proficiency in Algebra I, and a few students are struggling with equations, an assignment can give them an opportunity to practice extra questions after watching instructional videos.

Assignments are useful for providing supplemental instruction to students who need it. They offer immediate opportunities for students to practice and reinforce the skills and concepts being taught, but not necessarily on a constant basis. This targeted approach ensures that students who require additional help can receive it when they need it most. Additionally, you can assign quizzes and unit tests to the whole class as part of a comprehensive assessment approach.

Use Reports (Progress, Mastery, Skills, Activity overview, Scores) to Monitor Progress: As students complete assignments, use the data to monitor their progress toward their Mastery Goals. This will help you identify areas where students might be struggling and adjust your instruction as needed.
Celebrate Achievements: Over time, as students complete exercises, quizzes, and tests and gain a deeper understanding of the material, they move closer to achieving their Mastery Goals. Achieving a Mastery Goal signifies that a student has a comprehensive, deep understanding of the course. When students achieve a Mastery Goal, celebrate their success! This can motivate them to continue working hard and striving for mastery.

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