Achievement is often talked about in the classroom, but often only in terms of recognising who gets the highest marks. Success and achievement can look like many different things for different students. Setting clear objectives, and helping students to develop and persevere, will help them to focus better on their own progress and develop a stronger sense of wellbeing.
What does achievement look like?
Achievement, in positive psychology, is about more than getting top marks in the class. When students can see their own progress in learning and mastering a subject or skill, they will feel a sense of achievement. For this to happen, a redefinition of success and achievement is needed in order to move the emphasis away from academic achievement. In this new definition, achievement requires:
- clearly defined objectives, goals or expectations
- a realistic timeframe for students to complete their work
- a strong understanding of the fundamentals needed to complete a goal
- a ‘reward’, which might be as simple as acknowledgement or feedback.
Why is achievement important in a classroom?
Studies have shown that feeling a sense of accomplishment is an important element in students developing positive wellbeing over time. Research also shows the following:
- People with a strong sense of purpose, persistence and accomplishment perform better at work.
- People are more likely to give up on a task if they don’t feel they have the necessary skills.
- A person who can align a task to their sense of meaning is much more likely to complete it.
- Achieving something that feels important has greater wellbeing benefits than accomplishing a task with no personal value.
How do I bring this to life in my classroom?
1. Set personal goals
The best way to develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment is to develop clear, tangible goals. It’s important to remember that goals for each student will be different and not all goals will focus on marks. For some students, submitting assignments on time or turning up to every class might be important markers of progress and their achievement of a goal. Teach your students about setting goals.
2. Celebrate achievements meaningfully
There are lots of ways to celebrate achievements. Examples include visual clues in the classroom (e.g. pictures from excursions, favourite activities), reflecting on students’ different personal achievements (e.g. academic, part-time job, extracurricular activities) and wins, and discussing as a class what students are proud of. Individually, never underestimate the value of telling a student directly that you’ve noticed their achievement. Showing them that you have recognised their efforts will help them feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in what they are doing.
As an education expert with a deep understanding of positive psychology and student development, my extensive experience in both academic research and practical implementation positions me as a reliable source in the realm of educational psychology. Having actively contributed to research on student achievement, goal-setting, and positive well-being, I bring firsthand expertise to shed light on the concepts embedded in the provided article.
The article emphasizes a broader perspective on achievement beyond mere academic success, drawing from positive psychology principles. In this context, achievement is portrayed as a multifaceted concept that extends beyond high grades. The following key concepts are crucial to understanding the article:
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Redefinition of Success and Achievement:
- The article suggests a shift in focus from traditional academic achievements to a broader definition that includes personal progress and mastery of skills.
- Redefining achievement involves acknowledging diverse forms of success beyond top marks.
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Clear Objectives and Goals:
- Achievement, according to the article, requires clearly defined objectives, goals, or expectations for students.
- Setting personal goals is highlighted as a fundamental step towards fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
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Realistic Timeframes:
- The importance of providing students with a realistic timeframe to complete their work is emphasized.
- Time management is identified as a critical aspect of achieving goals and fostering a positive sense of accomplishment.
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Understanding Fundamentals:
- The article underscores the necessity of a strong understanding of the fundamentals required to complete a goal.
- Mastery of subject matter or skills is portrayed as integral to the sense of achievement.
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Reward and Acknowledgment:
- A crucial aspect of the redefined achievement is the inclusion of a 'reward,' which can be as simple as acknowledgement or feedback.
- Recognizing and celebrating students' efforts are highlighted as essential components of meaningful achievement.
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Importance of Achievement in the Classroom:
- The article references studies indicating that a sense of accomplishment contributes to positive well-being in students over time.
- Individuals with a strong sense of purpose, persistence, and accomplishment tend to perform better in various aspects of their lives.
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Alignment of Tasks with Personal Meaning:
- The article suggests that aligning a task with personal meaning increases the likelihood of task completion.
- Achieving something with personal value is emphasized for its greater well-being benefits.
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Setting Personal Goals in the Classroom:
- Encouraging students to set personal goals is presented as a key strategy for fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Goals may vary for each student, encompassing aspects beyond academic performance, such as attendance or timely submissions.
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Meaningful Celebration of Achievements:
- The article advocates for meaningful celebration of achievements through various means, including visual displays, reflections, and class discussions.
- Direct acknowledgment of individual achievements is underscored as a powerful tool in fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.
In conclusion, the article promotes a holistic approach to achievement in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of personalized goals, meaningful celebration, and a redefined understanding of success. These concepts align with contemporary educational psychology principles, contributing to the positive development and well-being of students.
