|
|
|
The
My Life Story Project: A Goal Setting Activity
|
|
|
|
Procedure |
|
|
The actions of students and
teachers and the interactions among and between students and teachers: |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
What Learners and Teacher Do
Fantasy Mode (30 - 45 Minutes)
- Learners are requested to make themselves comfortable, closing their eyes if
they wish.
- They are asked to imagine that they are old people thinking back on
the lives they have lived. They are told: "You will be led through a series of
questions that relate to the life you have lived. You are not to write at this point;
however, you will be asked these questions again in a few minutes and can make some notes
then." (The teacher must make it clear that the learners are imagining themselves in
the future as old people. Learners must pretend that they are already in the future
looking back. This concept can be difficult for some learners.)
- The teacher slowly reads each Life History Fantasy question giving the
learners time to think about a question before moving to the next one. (Note: The
questions used are shown on learner work entitled "Life History Fantasy.")
- After the reading, a copy of the "Life History Fantasy" worksheet
is given to each learner.
- The learners make notes on the sheet as the instructor again reads slowly
though the questions giving time for the learners to write the answer in note form on
their papers.
Fantasy Discussion (20 Minutes)
- Learners orally share fantasy notes with class.
- Teacher encourages reluctant learners to share but does not force
learners
to share. Often after hearing others talk, reluctant learners will be more eager to
participate.
"My Life Story" Essay (20 - 45 Minutes)
- Learners use notes to construct an essay.
- Teacher moves among learners to encourage and guide each one. Content is
more important for this activity than form.
Goal Development (1 hour)
- Using the dictionary as a resource, the teacher and learners reach consensus
on the definition of a "goal."
- The teacher writes the definition on a chalkboard.
- The teacher distributes to each learner a "Goal Setting Chart"
worksheet. (See Student Work for a sample of the worksheet.)
- Learners write at the bottom of the worksheet the definition on the board.
- Using a pencil, learners circle five of their most important goals they
wrote in "My Life Story" essays. (Note: It is acceptable to circle one or two
goals that have already been achieved: e.g., children, employment, education. The other
three or four goals should be ones they need to achieve in order to have the life history
they imagined. The limit of five goals is for the purpose of the lesson. The teacher
should assure learners that these might not be the only important goals in their lives.)
- The teacher distributes "Goal Questions" worksheet. (See Student
Work for a sample.)
- Learners discuss the questions on the "Goal Questions" worksheet.
- Teacher helps to direct discussion by insuring that topics covered include
ways of attaining goals and the kinds of barriers and obstacles they may encounter: e.g.,
financial problems, substance abuse, lack of support, etc. Learners are encouraged to
address strategies for overcoming some of the obstacles discussed. (Note: The discussion
should begin on a very general level and progress to specific individual
learners
goals.)
- Learners complete the "Goal Setting Chart" checking each goal
against the "Goal Questions" worksheet.
- Teacher encourages learner to ask for guidance from others
learners as well
as help from the teacher.
- In a conference arranged by the teacher, each learner reviews the results of
the "Goal Setting Chart" in order to give both the learner and teacher specific
direction/information about academic, vocational and personal planning.
- In class or in an individual appointment with the teacher, the
learner develops a Career Plan. The teacher allows about 15 - 45 minutes for each adult learner.
- Each learner and the teacher keep copies of all documents (Life History
Fantasy, My Life Story essay, Goal Setting Chart and the Career Plan).
- The teacher emphases to learners that the documents can be changed or added
to at any time.
Follow-up Activity
Learners put all documents into booklet form. They design a cover for the booklet,
which includes their names and pictures of their goals (hand drawn or cut out from
magazines).
Top of Page
|