Response to classmate discussion 2

During a student’s progress through each term, there is a requirement for developing term plans of which are made up of term goals to meet a satisfactory status. According to the Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services (n.d.), term plans are required to be submitted for final approval in week 1 and 2 of each term. More specifically, term goals are to be submitted during week 1 of each term for initial review. If approved, no furth action is required however, resubmission can be done in week 2 if further revision is necessary. As explained in the DHA Doctoral Study Guidebook, students are required to meet each of the term goals to receive a Satisfactory grade for the term. Term goals, as mentioned above, are due week 1 and 2 of each term and must be approved by the student’s chair. If the student fails to submit and receive approval of term goals, they will receive a U for that term.

Another important consideration for students to have, involves the three major milestones of term plans. According to the Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services (n.d.), the initial term plan outlines what the student will achieve in that term. The students chair will approve the initial term plan which covers the expected outcome of the 11 weeks. In efforts to ensure the student is on track to meet the goals of the initial term plan, a mid-term review is conducted (Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services, n.d.). Although changes to initial term plans rarely occur, possible modifications can be made during the mid-term review if circumstances support the need. At the end of the term, a final term plan is completed. For a student to successfully receive a satisfactory rating for the term, the chair must note term goals as being met.

   Reply to at least two students’ initial postings providing feedback on the SMART goal or feedback you would like to provide about information to help them succeed with term plan development.      

please make suggestions about my classmate critique

  Setting appropriate goals for each term is vital to a student’s overall success and therefore, processes such as using the SMART approach can assist students. According to Paul (n.d.), the acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. The purpose of using the SMART approach for setting goals is to ensure the student has a framework to promote focus on achieving results. This framework can be used during the initial term plan process to ensure the student sets appropriate goals.

            An example of a SMART term plan goal for my DHA Doctoral Study Prospectus Term 1 is:

This term, I will read and identify the 3 credible sources justifying the need for my research problem and follow the 5-step process for identifying an appropriate DHA research topic.

            This is an appropriate term goal for the Prospectus Term 1 since it is specific and measurable to the term requirements. Further, it is attainable, realistic as well as timely.