Learning a language is an incredibly enriching experience and can open up many opportunities for personal growth. Knowing where to start can be arduous, which is why the SMART concept may be helpful.
SMART goals provide direction for language learners on their path to fluency. You’ll be able to focus your effort and determine if you’re progressing in your language studies. This post will cover examples of SMART goals for language learning.
What is a SMART Goal?
Your language learning goals must be developed with the SMART goal technique. SMART is an acronym standing for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
For those still confused, SMART goals are:
- Specific: Most people know that having goals keep them on track and motivated throughout the week, but many need to realize the importance of specificity when creating those goals. Being as detailed as possible can make all the difference in achieving success.
- Measurable: When learning a new language, you should make the goals trackable; this criterion is crucial to success.
- Attainable: Ensuring your goals and objectives are reasonable, but challenging is essential for success in any goal-based activity. It’s important to strike a balance between reasonable objectives and challenging aspirations.
- Relevant: Aligning your goals with your core values can ensure that they are tied to a bigger picture of what is most important in your life.
- Time-based: A goal completion date is integral to any successful endeavor. Without it, you don’t have a sense of urgency, which can lead to delays and missed deadlines.
Following these 5 criteria will encourage you to have a clear target in mind while studying your desired language. You’ll have a solid plan to break down large goals into manageable chunks that are easy to measure.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Language Learning
Are you hoping to make great strides toward language learning? Here are 13 SMART goals examples to help you learn a new language:
1. Learn New Vocabulary
“I will learn 20 new words each week in the language I am studying and use them in everyday conversations by the end of three months. I want to expand my vocabulary and become more comfortable speaking the language.”
Specific: The goal is concise and clear, stating the objective and how it will be accomplished.
Measurable: By learning 20 new words each week, the learner can track their progress toward success.
Attainable: This goal can be accomplished by studying vocabulary lists and using flashcards or other tools to memorize new words.
Relevant: This will push the learner to better understand the language and become more comfortable speaking it.
Time-based: There is a three-month timeline for achieving this goal.
2. Participate in Conversations
“I will speak with native speakers of the language I’m learning twice a week for the following 6 months. This may include speaking with native speakers, attending cooking classes, or joining language exchange programs.”
Specific: This outlines the action (speaking with native speakers in either groups or one-on-one settings) and how often you need to do it (twice a week).
Measurable: You could count the number of conversations over 6 months.
Attainable: Speaking with native speakers is achievable and can even be fun.
Relevant: This goal helps you practice the language in a more natural setting.
Time-based: Goal completion is expected in 6 whole months.
3. Understand Cultural Contexts
“I’ll familiarize myself with the cultural context of my target language by gathering information about the history and culture for four hours per week for three months. I will understand and use the language more accurately in a culturally appropriate manner.”
Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it describes the steps to familiarize oneself with a language’s cultural context.
Measurable: You can track the number of hours dedicated to gathering information over three months.
Attainable: This goal is absolutely doable within the given time frame.
Relevant: This is pertinent to understanding a language’s cultural context to use it more accurately.
Time-based: Three months is required to meet this particular target.
4. Take Language Classes
“I want to take a language class once a week to understand other cultures better and learn more about different languages in 5 months. I hope to have basic conversations in the language I am learning.”
Specific: The statement is well-defined. The learner wants to take language classes and have basic conversations after 5 months.
Measurable: You will take language classes once a week for 5 months.
Attainable: This is an achievable goal with the right resources and dedication.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate for the individual’s desire to understand other cultures better and learn more about different languages.
Time-based: You want to reach this goal after 5 entire months.
5. Read and Comprehend Texts
“Over the course of 6 months, I’ll read at least four texts in my target language and understand them. I’ll strive to set aside 15 minutes daily for language reading and comprehension practice.”
Specific: You have an explicit action—read and comprehend at least four texts.
Measurable: You should proactively count the number of texts read.
Attainable: This goal is feasible as long as you practice regularly.
Relevant: Completing this task will help you become more proficient in your target language.
Time-based: Six months is a reasonable amount of time to succeed.
6. Talk to Native Speakers
“I will find and talk to native speakers of the language I am learning on a weekly basis for the three months ahead. I’ll learn how to use the language in real-life conversations and give me much-needed practice speaking the language.”
Specific: Find and talk to native speakers of the language you are learning.
Measurable: Make sure you talk with a certain number of native speakers each week.
Attainable: This goal is achievable if you take the time to search for native speakers of your target language.
Relevant: Talking to native speakers is essential for improving your language skills, as it allows you to practice speaking and build confidence.
Time-based: You should anticipate goal attainment after three months.
7. Practice Pronunciation
“I will practice my pronunciation for 20 minutes each day by the end of 9 months. I aim to improve my pronunciation of words and phrases to communicate in the language better.”
Specific: The aim is clear and set on practicing pronunciation for a certain amount of time each day.
Measurable: Ensure the person sets aside 20 minutes every day for pronunciation practice.
Attainable: The provided timeline is enough to become comfortable pronouncing new words and phrases.
Relevant: Practicing pronunciation will help the person communicate more effectively in the language.
Time-based: There is a 9-month end date for reaching the SMART goal.
8. Make Flashcards
“To enhance my language learning, I will create flashcards with 15 new words and practice them daily for the next month. I aim to improve my memorization skills and become more comfortable using new words and phrases.”
Specific: This goal is creating flashcards and using them to learn more vocabulary.
Measurable: Create at least 15 flashcards and practice them daily for a month.
Attainable: Making flashcards is doable and allows you to practice new words.
Relevant: Memorizing new words and phrases is essential for successful language learning.
Time-based: There is a deadline of one month for this goal.
9. Use Apps and Websites
“I will spend two hours each week using applications and websites to further my language learning goals for 7 months. I want to be able to read the news and watch movies in the language I am learning without needing to rely on subtitles or translations.”
Specific: The individual aims to use apps and websites for language learning.
Measurable: Count how many hours you spend using these apps and tools.
Attainable: This is realistic because the person allocates enough time each week to progress.
Relevant: This is a meaningful goal because you want to reach a level where you can understand news and movies in a foreign language.
Time-based: The goal statement has a specific timeline of 7 months.
10. Join a Language Community
“By the end of 6 months, I want to join a local community that practices and speaks the language I’m learning. This will be a great way to practice my language skills, meet new people, and immerse myself in the culture.”
Specific: The goal outlines what the person is trying to do and when they will do it.
Measurable: You could look at how often the person participates in language-based activities with the community.
Attainable: This goal is possible because it provides a reasonable timeline for completion.
Relevant: Joining a language community will help people learn and practice their language skills.
Time-based: The timeline is 6 months, which is enough time to excel.
11. Improve Listening Skills
“I’ll improve my listening skills in the target language by listening to 20 minutes of audio recordings from native speakers every day for four months. I will record my progress using a language learning app and track my monthly improvement.”
Specific: The person has identified a plan to improve their language listening skills.
Measurable: Measure success by recording audio recordings and completing listening exercises.
Attainable: This goal is achievable and realistic, given the daily 20 minutes of audio recordings.
Relevant: Improving listening skills is essential to understanding native speakers and communicating effectively.
Time-based: You have a timeline of four months for goal achievement.
12. Set a Schedule for Study Time
“I will set a schedule to dedicate one hour every day of the week for language learning until two months later. I’ll develop a habit of consistent practice and ensure that I am making progress towards my language learning goals.”
Specific: The SMART goal is easy to understand, detailing the objective and how it will be met.
Measurable: By setting a schedule and sticking to it, you can monitor progress in language learning.
Attainable: This goal is achievable by setting aside time each day to practice.
Relevant: This relates to language learning since consistent practice helps build skills and increase knowledge.
Time-based: There is a two-month timeline for accomplishing this goal.
13. Reward Your Achievements
“I want to celebrate my language learning successes. I’ll set up a reward system that gives me the incentive to keep going and master the language. It could include a fun activity, a special treat for every test I pass, or a new level of fluency I reach.”
Specific: This goal is evident in defining what kind of reward you’d give yourself.
Measurable: You could measure the tests you passed or the levels of fluency you achieved.
Attainable: It is achievable to devise a reward system for your language learning efforts.
Relevant: Rewarding yourself will not only be a morale booster but will also motivate you to stay the course.
Time-based: This is an ongoing goal you pursue until you finally master a language.
Final Thoughts
The SMART framework is essential to successful language learning. By setting SMART goals and taking steps to reach those objectives, learners can optimize their study time and resources, check their progress, and stay inspired.
Language learners should define the goal they wish to achieve and break it down into smaller components. And remember to be realistic when setting a timeline for achieving the goal and create an action plan with clear steps.
That said, it’s up to you to decide which language goals will best fit your needs, so feel free to explore different options until you find what works best for you.
