Students appreciate knowing where they stand, are they passing, do they have an A, how close to an A are they, can they still get an A in the course, these are some of the questions I usually receive. But they also want to hear how they are doing, what they are doing well and any feedback that can make them do better. There is an electronic gradebook that is available for a student to review his/her grades. Often in the gradebook there is also a place to provide feedback. I try and release all grades within 24-48 hours in general, and always within 24 hours after the first week in the course. Also it puts students on a type of expectation notice. Now they know what is expected and can see the consequences of not meeting the expectation of the assignment. Kathleen
It is important to keep a student informed about their status in class so that there are no surprises when they receive their grade! I am in regular contact with those students earning a C or lower in my classes. I complete a Student Performance Checklist which details information about past due assignments and provides specific steps in order for the student to boost their grade. I also provide opportunities for my students to re-take tests on which they receive a D or F grade. Lastly, I provide numerous opportunities during the class for students to extra credit points.
Hi Joseph:
Great idea. Many students create these grade tracking sheets on their own but sharing how it works with all your students is a terrific 1st step towards conveying that you are willing and wanting to help see them through their classes to a successful conclusion. I think that hepls create a positive interaction with the students too.
Regards, Barry
I agree with this. I give out a blank copy of what the grade sheet looks like so the students can keep track of the grades as we go. This allows them to keep their own record and keeps them focused on their grade. Also it alows them to see if they are missing any assignments right away. I will sit down with them on a weekly basis to check in with them and advise them if needed.
Hi Cindy:
Right! I like your perspective about students being motivated to work harder when they are informed they are falling behind.
Regards, Barry
Students need to know where they stand in the course to ensure they don't fall too far behind and not able to rebound and pass. Also, it gives some students an incentive to work harder when their grades do fall behind.
Hi Janet:
Great! If they're struggling I think most students are more willing to try harder when they know that information early on. Your sensitivity and psychology in giving your students a sense of accomplishment by sequencing easier assignments at the begining is notable.
Regards, Barry
Hi Carlos:
We want to be relatable to our students. I think regular grade sharing and discussion assists the student see that the instructor is willing and wanting to help their students be successful and earn the best grades possible. It also gives an opportunity to be a little more natural and demonstrate compassion (if needed) when students are struggling in their courses.
Regards, Barry
I BELIEVE THAT KEEPING STUDENTS INFORMED OF THEIR STATUS ON A REGULAR BASIS, LETS THEM KNOW HOW THEY ARE DOING AND GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO IMPROVE ON ANY SUBJECTS THEY ARE WEAK ON.
It encourages students to stay on top of their work and not fall behind from the beginning. I put easy assignments at the beginning of the course so that everyone has a sense of success from the beginning.
Hi Sarah:
Great. Your personal touch and sensitivity to your students needs go beyond just academic successfulness. I know when students relate who their favorite teachers are (or have been) they almost always cite individuals that have given them time and taken an interest in them.
Regards, Barry
I try to have a one on one the second or third week to give them a cummulative. Also if a student is having difficulty on tests I see them the next class meeting to see what the problem was.
Hi Carriann:
Good. Students need and deserve to know where they stand in the class Grades and points are really important to students. So we can assist them by providing frequest conversations or at least sharing grades with them. When we discuss grades, that also gives us an opportunity to offer encouragement and suggestions for improvement as well.
Regards, Barry
It is important for students to know their current grade or where they stand. From this point, they can decide if they need to do more to improve their current status.
Hi Bryan:
Right - no surprises. Keeping students informs also allows the instructor to develop a better relationship and reinforce the point that you are there to help them be successful.
Regards, Barry
Hi Betsy:
Right - no surprises. Tracking student performance is like taking a pulse while exercising - necessary to achieve the desired level. Same with grades.
Regards, Barry
It is important to keep students informed of their performance in the course in order to keep their interest, their motivation level, manage their expectations, and to help them with any trouble spots. This is done with the formative evaluations in conjunction with unit quizzes, individual meetings to discuss progress in the class. There should be no surprises at the end of the course.
So that they know when they need to step up their game. A student should never be suprised when they fail a course.
Hi Gerald:
I absolutely agree with you! It lets them know where they stand. They will gain insight into whether or not they need to improve or if they are progressing succesfully. It keeps them in the loop.
Hi Gearld:
Good points. I think students want to know where they stand and if they are performing below par, keeping them up to date gives them an opportunity improve. It also may suggest you care about their successfulness.
Regards, Barry
