Solo Performance Tip #7: Goal Setting

Tip #7: Goal Setting

Here are a few simple tips on setting goals in the solo performance examination in Drama (or any major performance task, for that matter):

Goals Must Exist: The value of students setting goals in Drama should not be underestimated. Goal setting allows for structure and discipline. Goals set students on the correct path for success and encourage them to reach relevant targets along the way.

Goals Must Be Realistic: A common mistake for students is setting goals that are unrealistic. Sometimes this is due to a combination of youthful enthusiasm and inexperience. It is the teacher’s role to advise students on the nature of individual goals in the Drama classroom and whether the student achieving these goals is likely, or not. Goal setting must be a challenge (a necessary part of the performance task), but an unrealistic challenge only brings disappointment.

Setting Timelines: An essential component of setting goals in major performance activities, such as the Year 12 Drama solo performance task, is timelines. Students should set mini-goals to be achieved along the way and allocate dates to each of these goals. The solo performance task is often very daunting, even for the most capable Drama student. Often, students will be shocked by the length of time needed to create aspects of the task, that they may have initially underestimated. This is where teacher experience plays a vital role. Teachers should advise and monitor timelines set by individual students in this task. Timelines divided into mini-goals allow for a mammoth project to be divided into small bite-size chunks, allowing the student to better cope with the enormity of the task.

Goal Rewards: I often say to my students ‘go out and reward yourself’ after they have achieved a major goal in a Drama task, especially if it is on-time or ahead of schedule. Sometimes the teacher can reward a whole class with anything from confectionery or Drama games to no homework. Either way, the student feels satisfied and immediately motivated to succeed on the next part of the task. A simple ‘congratulations’ goes a long, long way.

Coming Up: Tip #8 – Character Transformation