A Look at Learning

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

You may have heard your children talk about "learning intentions" and "success criteria" at school. These aren't just educational buzzwords; they're powerful tools that help students understand what they're learning and how to achieve success.

What are Learning Intentions?

A learning intention clearly states what students are expected to learn in a lesson or activity. Think of it as the destination on a map. It answers the question, "What are we learning today?" For example, a learning intention might be: "We are learning to identify the main idea in a text."

What are Success Criteria?

Success criteria outline the specific steps or qualities that demonstrate a student has met the learning intention. They act as signposts along the way, showing students how to reach their destination. They answer the question, "How will I know I have been successful?" For the example above, success criteria might be:

• "I can state the main idea in my own words."
• "I can provide evidence from the text to support my answer."
• "I can explain why this is the main idea."

Why are they important?

• Clarity and Focus: They provide students with a clear understanding of the learning goals, reducing confusion and keeping them focused.
• Self-Assessment: Success criteria empower students to assess their own progress and identify areas where they need further support.
• Meaningful Feedback: They allow teachers to provide targeted and specific feedback, helping students understand how to improve.
• Increased Engagement: When students understand the purpose of their learning, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

How can you support this at home?

• When your child talks about school projects, ask them, "What were you supposed to learn?" and "How did you know you were successful?"
• Encourage them to reflect on their learning and identify areas where they excelled and areas where they can improve.
• By reinforcing these concepts at home, you can help your child become a more independent and reflective learner.

Learning intentions and success criteria are valuable tools that promote deeper understanding and empower students to take ownership of their learning. We hope this brief explanation helps you understand their importance.