Goals that learners consider difficult, but achievable, tend to have what effect?

Goals that learners perceive as difficult yet achievable serve to provide a challenge and promote learning. When learners set goals that stretch their abilities but are still within reach, they are prompted to engage more deeply with the material, utilize problem-solving skills, and develop resilience. This process encourages critical thinking and fosters a growth mindset, leading to a more profound understanding of the subject matter.

Setting appropriately challenging goals can also enhance motivation, as learners experience a sense of accomplishment when they meet these goals. This success reinforces their confidence and encourages them to tackle even more challenging tasks in the future. In contrast, goals that are too easy may result in boredom, while those perceived as impossible can cause anxiety and disengagement. Therefore, carefully calibrated challenges optimize the learning experience and help learners to grow both personally and academically.