Goal Setting and SMART Targets
Distinguish outcome and process aims, construct SMART targets and explain effects on motivation, focus and monitoring.
How to prepare for the written examination
Move from accurate theory to a scenario-specific mechanism, consequence, evidence and judgement. Complete all practical performance and NEA work only through authorised centre arrangements.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Goals direct attention and effort when they are relevant to an identified performance need.
Exam cue: Start with a supplied weakness or baseline.
Concept 2
SMART criteria make a target clear, measurable, achievable, realistic or relevant, and time-bound according to board wording.
Exam cue: Check every SMART element explicitly using the current board's terminology.
Concept 3
Process and performance goals can be more controllable than outcome goals that depend on opponents.
Exam cue: Explain how the target affects focus, motivation, feedback or evaluation.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Writing improve fitness as a complete target.
Guardrail: Do not replace explanation with a named sport, an undated current example or practical work that belongs to NEA.
Confusing achievable with effortless.
Guardrail: Do not replace explanation with a named sport, an undated current example or practical work that belongs to NEA.
Using only an outcome that depends heavily on other performers.
Guardrail: Do not replace explanation with a named sport, an undated current example or practical work that belongs to NEA.
Memory anchors
Goal-setting purpose
Goals can direct attention, effort, persistence and evaluation.
Specific target
The exact behaviour, skill or fitness outcome is stated.
Measurable target
Progress and completion can be judged using defined evidence.
Achievable-realistic target
The challenge fits the performer, resources and timeframe.
Time-bound target
A clear deadline or review period is specified.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What is an outcome goal?
What is a performance goal?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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