1. Define a goal

2. Ask and answer questions to refine the goal (Colleagues are usually helpful.)

3. Create a succinct summary of a specified goal

4. Ask “what evidence would reveal that the goal is achieved?”

5. Frame possible researchable questions

Teachers commonly think of goals in terms of improved learning outcomes for students. Often, a study is built upon one or more interventions to achieve a goal and the question becomes “Does the intervention lead to achievement of the goal?” The goal approach also includes inquiries which Pat Hutchings might characterize as “What works?” However, a study based on a goal approach need not involve an intervention. A well-framed question could simply address whether an intended goal is presently being achieved or whether a goal is even feasible to achieve.