Let’s be honest—those first workshops that cover generic university expectations like turning off your phone, showing up, and engaging in class are pretty uninspiring. We all know these things, and so do the students, yet many still don’t follow through. So, I thought, why not flip the script? Instead of focusing on what students shouldn’t do, why not highlight the behaviours we love to see—the ones that truly make a difference in the classroom? That’s how the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Students slide was born.
I spent some time reflecting on the student behaviours I’ve appreciated the most over the past five years and came up with a way to celebrate and encourage those actions. Now, instead of just laying out the rules, I kick off the workshop by showing my GOAT Students slide and discussing what it really means to excel in the classroom. It’s a practical way for me to refer back to these behaviours throughout the semester, and it gives students a clear understanding of what I value.
Here’s what my GOAT Students slide looks like:
GOAT Students Who:
Write notes or nod while you speak
Counter your argument with another viewpoint
Take photos of your workshop slides
Ask for extra resources on a topic they found interesting
Build on other students’ ideas through group discussion
Read marking feedback and email to discuss further—not to argue about grades, but to learn and improve
Say thank you when they leave the classroom (bonus: say see you next week and actually come next week!)
Send updates after the course to fill you in on life
Ask what other courses you teach at the end of the semester
Include bullet-pointed questions in an email when asking for help for clarity (bonus: say thanks when you help)
Fill in course evaluation surveys with clear details
Reflect on an assessment item or coursework and ask about finding jobs that may be aligned
Communicate rather than ghost
Take a seat at the front, even when the class is empty
Are not too cool for school to participate in class
Use an authentic human voice, not an AI bot
Why This Matters
Highlighting these behaviours isn’t just about setting expectations—it’s about creating a classroom culture where students feel recognised, included and motivated. These are actionable behaviours that students can adopt, and they give me a framework to acknowledge their efforts. Plus, when a student does something on the list, I can point back to the slide and give them a shout-out, reinforcing those positive actions (i.e. leaving class, saying see you next week - always gets a good shout-out!).
Co-Creating the GOAT Lecturer List
But it doesn’t stop there. After introducing the GOAT Students slide, I also take the opportunity to ask my students what they think makes a GOAT Lecturer. We co-create a list together, which not only helps me understand their expectations but also makes them feel involved and valued in the classroom. Some of the things they’ve shared include:
Clear and consistent feedback on what’s required in assessments
Enthusiasm for the topic
Avoiding jargon and making content accessible
Being approachable and willing to help
The Impact and Benefits
Since introducing the GOAT Students slide and co-creating the GOAT Lecturer list, I’ve noticed a significant shift in the classroom atmosphere. Students are more engaged, more likely to participate, and more open to communicating with me throughout the semester. It’s also helped to build a stronger sense of community, where everyone understands and strives toward the same goals.
Being a GOAT student isn’t just about getting the best grades. If you show the behaviours on the GOAT slide, here’s what you can expect:
A personal email from me acknowledging your selection as a “Top Performer” in the course
An offer to be used as a reference for a job application
A LinkedIn recommendation
An invitation to join the “Griffith Sport Management All-Star Network”
And, of course, the satisfaction of simply being a GOAT!
Make It Your Own
If you’re an educator and want to try this out yourself, I encourage you to download my free GOAT Students resource. It includes a blank template where you can list the behaviours you’ve loved seeing in your own classroom. It’s a great way to personalize your approach and create a culture of excellence that resonates with your students.
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