Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

This paper explores the importance and benefits of empowering young learners from diverse economic backgrounds through goal setting, specifically focusing on students enrolled in an urban school serving a highly diverse population. Over time, students have changed neurologically and behaviorally—shaped in part by the influence of technology, which has affected how they process information and maintain attention. As a result, today’s students learn differently than in previous generations. Research shows that many young learners now enter school with only half the vocabulary of their middle-class peers (Wentzel, 2020), underscoring the urgent need for new instructional approaches that effectively engage and motivate students. Motivation has become a central factor in promoting academic success (Brudvig, Anderson, & Moore, 2022). Recognizing the positive impact of goal setting on motivation, this study examined how structured goal setting could help students meet expectations set by Iowa’s state-mandated FAST (Formative Assessment System for Teachers) assessment, a tool used to monitor reading progress and identify students in need of additional support. Findings from this study suggest that goal setting—especially when paired with written action steps and consistent feedback—can significantly enhance student motivation, confidence, and academic performance, regardless of socioeconomic background. Involving teachers, students, and peers in the process helps create a more supportive and engaging educational environment. Furthermore, individualized goal setting, as McTigue et al. (2009) note, directs a student’s effort toward meaningful tasks, promoting both motivation and learning. With clear goals in place, students are more likely to commit to the effort required to succeed.

Year of Submission

2025

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Date Original

2025

Object Description

1 PDF file (34 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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