Goal setting is a key skill that helps students to become more successful in school. Setting goals is a part and parcel with being an organised student. The more that a student is

organised, the more that that student can identify the areas where he needs to improve. When setting a goal, remember the RAM rule. RAM goals are — realistic, achievable, and measurable.

Realistic: If you are currently getting marks in the 60s, don’t set a goal of getting 90 on the next test. A more reasonable goal is to improve by 5 points, and 5 points more on the test after that. Resolve to make incremental improvements. A reasonable goal is a successful goal.

Achievable: By setting a reasonable goal of improving 5 points per test, there is a greater likelihood of achieving the results. A reasonable goal is an achievable goal.

Measurable: By setting a goal that is incremental, such as improving 5 points per test, improvement can be measured. This way, you’ll have a clear demarcation line of where

your child was, and where he is now.

The RAM method

for setting goals makes academic resolutions easy to keep. You won’t abandon their resolutions because they can track their progress, no matter how minor the achievement is.