Which of the following is considered an effective practice when setting goals for students?

Adjusting goals so they are not unrealistic is considered an effective practice when setting goals for students because it ensures that the goals are both challenging and attainable. Realistic goals serve several important functions in the coaching and learning process. They provide students with a clear sense of direction, motivate them to strive for achievement, and help build their confidence as they reach milestones. When goals are set too high or are unrealistic, students may become discouraged or frustrated, leading to disengagement or lack of effort. On the other hand, achievable goals encourage a growth mindset and foster a positive learning environment, where students can experience success and gradually challenge themselves further.

In contrast, setting many goals at once can overwhelm students, making it difficult for them to focus on any single objective. Focusing solely on outcome goals may neglect the importance of skill development and process-related goals, which are crucial for fostering improvement. Keeping goals very vague does not provide the specificity needed for students to understand what is expected of them, leading to confusion and a lack of direction.