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5.5: Case Study - SMART Goals

  • Page ID
    166739
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    Case Study - SMART Goals

    In the following scenario, meet a fictional student, Melissa, who wants to make improvements in a college class so she writes an effective goal using the SMART criteria.

    Melissa is taking an anatomy and physiology class which is an important prerequisite for her nursing degree. The class is challenging so she's worried about her grade. Melissa knows she needs to earn at least a "B" in the class to be in good standing for clinical acceptance, but she currently has a "C" at midterm. She does well on lab quizzes but earned a lower grade on Exam 1. Melissa first analyzes her situation in terms of she prepared for Exam 1, how much time she has been reading and studying and how much time she actually has in terms of her work schedule, family commitments and other classes. Melissa writes the following SMART goal statement:

    "By the beginning of week 7 of this semester, I will be spending at least one hour per day reviewing the notes I took on the textbook chapters, and I will have scheduled two study sessions with a partner in the Tutoring Center so that I can earn an 80% or higher on Exam 2."

    S=earn a certain grade on Exam 2

    M=one hour per day reviewing notes; 2 study sessions; 80% or higher

    A=Melissa understands the practical lab information but realizes she hasn't been paying enough attention to the textbook.

    R=She can spend the time needed based on her analysis of her other commitments.

    T=the beginning of week 7

    Reflection Questions:

    1. How will Melissa know she achieved her goal?

    2. If you were Melissa's friend or classmate, how would you know whether or not she achieved her goal?


    5.5: Case Study - SMART Goals is shared under a CC BY-NC license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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