Week 4 at Shorter University

This week the main points we learned in class was time management and setting goals for yourself.  The following is guidelines for setting goals:

CIS 1200-02 1106-Introduction to Online Learning- Jeffrey E. Abernathy-Assignment L4a

7 Characteristics of Goals

1.       1.  Goals should be self-chosen-goals should be set by you yourself rather than others.  Goals that reflect what you want to accomplish are more likely to be achieved by you.

2.       2.  Goals should be moderately challenging-use past accomplishments to set realistic and attainable goals for yourself.

3.       3.  Goals should be realistic-goals should be something you can achieve.

4.       4.  Goals should be measurable-goals should be specific enough to measure success.

5.       5.  Goals should be specific-goals should not be vague but rather should pinpoint exactly what you want to achieve.

6.       6.  Goals should be finite-goals should have a set time frame to achieve.

7.       7.  Goals should be positive-goals should reflect a positive attitude and avoid using words such as like, try, think, hope, won’t and don’t.

5 Steps to Writing Effective Goals

                Step 1-Physically write down what you want to accomplish

                Step 2-Write down any difficulties or obstacles that can stand in the way of achieving your    goals.

                Step 3-Write down any resources you have acquired in school or life experiences and see how

                you can use resources you have available to overcome obstacles.

                Step 4-Review your initial tentative goal statement and revise to reflect how you can use

                resources to counter obstacles.

                Step 5-Polish your goal statement to make sure it is well written and follows the 7

                characteristics of goals.

We had to set a goal for ourselves and revise it using what we learned this week.  My Goal was concerning my Algebra class.  This is what mine looked like:

COURSE:  Algebra

STEP 1:  Tentative Goal Statement

I want to make a B but no less than a C in Algebra.

STEP 2:  List of Obstacles                                                              STEP 3:  List of Resources

1.       1. Algebra is a weak subject for me.                             1.   I will work examples until I understand how

                     a problem is solved.

2.       2.  I have trouble understand many                                               2.   I will use tutorials and other resources

of the concepts of Algebra.                                               to help me understand concepts.

3.       3.  I frequently make simple math errors                    3.   I will recheck my math and follow the

or transpose signs.                                                                steps in the example to understand errors.

STEP 4:  Revised Goal Statement

I will try to earn a C+ or better in Algebra.

STEP 5:  Polished Goal Statement

I will achieve a C+ or better in Algebra this term.

We also learned the importance of time management when taking online classes.