Assignment: SMART Goals for Spring 2025

Due Date: Week 1 Time to Complete: 20-30 minutes Format: Written document

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART goals help you set clear, achievable targets. Each goal should be:

  • Specific - Clear and detailed, not vague
  • Measurable - You can track progress with numbers or milestones
  • Achievable - Realistic given your time, resources, and skills
  • Relevant - Connects to the class and your interests
  • Time-bound - Has a deadline (by end of semester: May 31, 2026)

Your Assignment

Create 1 or more SMART goals for this semester's shop class. Your goals should relate to what you want to learn or accomplish in the Introduction to Marine Industry course.

Example Goal (Suggested)

Here's a suggested goal to consider:

Goal: Increase the wide open throttle (WOT) top speed of the 1989 Ranger with Mercury 90 HP outboard from its current speed to 40 mph by the end of the semester (May 31, 2026).

Why This Is SMART: - Specific: Focuses on WOT top speed of a specific boat - Measurable: Target is 40 mph (can test with GPS) - Achievable: Can work on engine tuning, propeller optimization, and maintenance - Relevant: Applies multiple skills from the class (engine servicing, propeller tuning, performance testing) - Time-bound: By end of semester (May 31, 2026)

Your Goals

You have creative freedom to set your own goals! Consider goals related to:

  • Learning specific technical skills (welding, engine repair, electronics installation)
  • Building skills for the "Full Throttle Marine" business concept
  • Improving the Ranger boat's performance or condition
  • Mastering tools or techniques
  • Completing a specific project or repair

What to Submit

For each goal, write:

  1. The Goal Statement - One clear sentence describing what you want to achieve
  2. SMART Breakdown - Explain how your goal meets each SMART criteria:
  3. How is it Specific?
  4. How is it Measurable?
  5. How is it Achievable?
  6. How is it Relevant?
  7. What is the Time-bound deadline?
  8. Action Steps - List 2-3 specific actions you'll take to reach this goal

Format Example

GOAL 1: [Your goal statement here]

SMART Breakdown:
- Specific: [Explain]
- Measurable: [Explain]
- Achievable: [Explain]
- Relevant: [Explain]
- Time-bound: [Explain]

Action Steps:
1. [First action]
2. [Second action]
3. [Third action]

Grading Criteria

Your assignment will be evaluated on:

  • Each goal clearly follows the SMART format
  • Goals are realistic for the semester timeframe
  • Action steps are specific and practical
  • Writing is clear and organized
  • Minimum of 1 goal completed (you can do more!)

Tips

  • Think about what excites you most about working on boats
  • Consider what skills would be most useful for a marine services business
  • Don't be afraid to set challenging goals - that's how you grow!
  • You can always adjust your goals as you learn more throughout the semester

Need Help? Talk with your instructor about goal ideas or how to make your goals more SMART.

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