Write an IB study goal with an output and review point
A useful study goal states what you want to be able to do.
Make the goal describe a capability
A useful study goal states what you want to be able to do. Replace revise Geography with explain a spatial pattern using evidence from a taught case. This makes the purpose clearer and allows you to choose appropriate practice. A score target may provide direction, but a capability goal gives the next session a task. Keep the scope small enough that you can inspect progress within a realistic period.
Define evidence of completion
Decide what output will show the capability: a paragraph, diagram, calculation, oral explanation or project decision. Specify the relevant quality, such as accurate labels or a supported inference. Avoid measuring completion only by time spent or pages reread. Those measures describe activity, not necessarily learning. Use school expectations and teacher feedback to define quality where it is unclear.
Try a diagram goal
Imagine repeatedly mislabelling an Economics diagram. A goal could be to draw and explain the model from three unfamiliar scenarios during the week, checking the mechanism and labels afterward. The output is specific and connected to the error. Completing three copied diagrams would not demonstrate the same capability. If the first attempt reveals missing understanding, add focused learning before repeating the practice.
Check feasibility and relevance
Estimate the tasks and time required. Ask whether the goal addresses a current need and fits deadlines and other commitments. A goal that requires inaccessible resources should change before work begins. Keep a smaller acceptable output if the week becomes disrupted, while preserving the learning purpose. You can narrow the scope without pretending the larger goal has been completed.
Set a review point
Choose when you will inspect the outputs and decide what to do next. Compare a new attempt with the original difficulty. Keep, revise or replace the goal based on that evidence. If the work is complete but the capability remains weak, diagnose the gap rather than simply adding more repetitions. A goal should produce a decision at review, not remain on the list indefinitely.
Write a compact goal card
Use fields for capability, output, quality check, deadline and next review. Add the materials needed so starting is straightforward. After the review, record one sentence about what changed and the next task. This card makes a goal useful in daily work while keeping the judgment tied to evidence. You can then coordinate several subject goals without losing their distinct purposes. If a deadline passes, record the unfinished output and revise the next action instead of silently marking the goal complete.
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Official references
This is an original practical guide from IBvia. The examples are illustrative; your subject guide, assessment year and school instructions determine the requirements.
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