What is the primary outcome of effective reading goal-setting for students?

The primary outcome of effective reading goal-setting for students is enhanced self-awareness and accountability in learning. When students engage in setting their own reading goals, they become more aware of their reading habits, strengths, and areas for improvement. This process encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning and to monitor their progress toward achieving those goals.

By fostering a sense of ownership over their learning objectives, students are more likely to develop intrinsic motivation, which can lead to improved reading performance and greater engagement with the material. This self-directed approach helps cultivate skills that extend beyond reading, as students learn to set and pursue goals in various aspects of their education.

In contrast, improved fluency without comprehension would not align with the true purpose of reading goals, which encompass understanding and engaging with text deeply. Increased feelings of frustration with reading suggest a disconnect between goal-setting and support, undermining the learning process. Focusing solely on teacher-assigned reading materials limits student autonomy and reduces opportunities for personalized and meaningful engagement with texts. Therefore, enhanced self-awareness and accountability is the most holistic and beneficial outcome of implementing effective reading goal-setting strategies.