Gonzalez Delgado Learn more

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Overview of my research

This study aimed to analyze the effects of targeted goal setting using Google Calendar as a 21st century tool and measure its impact on student achievement.
One major challenge that educators face is getting students to take ownership of their own learning. Sadly to say I have seen students acquire the learned helplessness syndrome, in which they expect the teachers to tell them what they need to learn. The rationale behind this study was to switch gears and make students the conductors of their own learning journey by allowing them to set their own learning goals that are crucial to find success in school. Students who invest in their goals, demonstrate greater persistence, creativity and risk taking in their achievement of those goals (Moeller, Theiler, & Wu, 2012).

Through this pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest/posttest design, students were able to plan and monitor their daily learning goals. The treatment involved using Google Calendar for student goal setting.

As I began learning about more technology tools, I slowly began to let go of the tight reins and gave my students Voice and Choice. After students finished their assigned work, or "must do's", I offered choices in the form of tech tools as "May do's". This brought a sense of trust among my students and myself. As students began to explore and familiarize with the tools, I discovered strategic ways of incorporating those tools into my daily lessons.