David,
Absoulutely. I say "when we share, we care". Even our informal discussions about performance are important to students. Early on and frequetly do more to assist students make successfully to the end.
Barry Westling
It helps them to estimate what they need work on within the structure of the class.It also helps them understand what is expected of them.
I have never been one for keeping secrets in my classroom. My students know exactly where they stand. If they miss assingments they are given a success plan to communitcate with me what their plan is to make it up. It is also an oppurtunity for me to assist them if things seem to be spiraling out of control for them. The earlier issues are addressed, the sooner the student can be successful
It's important for numerous reasons: to create a partnership for success with the student by keeping them informed about their progress and what if any adjustments need to be made; you encourage the students to accept responsibility for their successes or failures; and it gives you an opportunity to congratulate them for overcoming their challenges or make them aware of their shortcomings and encourage them to steel their resolve and improve their performance.
Leon,
I agree about how students crave input and positive feedback from their instructor. It's important instructors take the time for this important activity frequently.
Barry Westling
So they can make the necessary adjustments, or you can use it as a motivational tool if they are doing well. Feedback is valued by the student.
Leon Guendoo
Thomas,
Right! Anything that reduces stress is a good thing! But it's only fair and reasonable to keep students informed of their progress. If done early on, there will be more time to see the results of suggestions made or advice given. Also, having the student see improvement should be a positive motivator.
Barry Westling
Its important for a couple of reasons. Know how the student is doing lets them know if they are on track and there will be no suprises at the end of the course. Knowing how they are doing, also relieves strees on the student.
Nancy,
This sounds great. I think anything that might motivate students to want to do better is worth the effort by me, their instructor. Frequent and early on status updates, formal or informal, give the student the best opportunity to know where they stand and enough time to make improvements.
Barry Westling
In my theory courses students receive a "formal" mid-term grade indicating how they are doing in the course. Since my students get a copy of their test answer sheet when we review problematic test questions I have recently been placing a course average in a circle next to the current test grade. What I have discovered is that students are more inclined to not wait until right before the final to inquire if they are going to "get an A". By knowing where they are prior to each exam they seem to be more prepared and more focused in their studies especially when there is a difference of 1 or 2 points between a higher or a lower grade.
Robert,
Great!. I say its like a journey. We need a map and a plan. And we need feedback to measure how close to the destination we are. Frequent progress reports help share where the students are iun their learning, give us instructors the opportunity to share both advice and encouragement, and if done in a caring manner, helps build stronger student/instructor relationships.
Barry Westling
Continuing feedback regarding course status is an excellent method to assist the students with their own development. The can see their progress using these milestones and keep building on foundations of what they have learned so far.
Deanna,
Right! Meeting course objectives is like a journey. Status updates inform students where they are in meeting those milestones along the way.
Barry Westling
I think that informing students of their status in the course is very important because they need to know how they're doing. They need to know whether they're passing or failing. This is also another way of keeping your students engaged with the class and you. It lets them know that you care.
Holly,
Right!. I think frequent and early on discussions work best, as that gioves time to help, and make necessary improvements if needed. Also, we can give suggestions, advice, and also support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
Prompt feedback helps the student know where they stand and what they still need to work on or where to increase their efforts. It also gives the instructor feedback of what information is still unclear or help them see trends.
Jon,
I agree that a good discussion of grades can contribute to increased motivation, especially when presented in an optimistic manner that is accompanied by encouragement, support, advice, and realistic suggestions for improvement. When students feel their instructor cares, I believe that adds to the desire to want to do better. And what's cool is this is something pretty easy to do by every teacher, and doesn't really take that much extra time.
Barry Westling
There are different reasons why it is important for students to be aware of their grade status during the course. For many students receiving that information is a pat on the back that will keep them motivated for some time in the future to perform at their peak level. I try to get evaluations back quickly to students so the reward is almost immediate for a job well done. For other students who may not be doing well in the class, this feedback is much needed to motivate them to increase performance levels while there is still adequate time left in the course to make the needed improvements before it is to late for them to succeed.
Allen,
I agree. Both are partners in the process: the styudent and the instructor. The instructor needs a well planned curriculum, and the student needs a well defined plan on how to achieve the course learning outcomes. Status updates are a convenient and practical way to convey the path.
Barry Westling
So the student and instructor know how well they are doing,and can make any adjustments throughout the training process.
