Micheal,
Students want (and need) direction. Someone who is asking about their grade frequently is really expressing their fear or anxiety about measuring up, or possibly failing. I will give a student like this a written report about their standing at the moment, then ask them to write out what they will do achieve the outcome they want. Then, if they ask again about their grade, I"ll just turn it around and ask them "what are doing according to what you said you'd do". However, I believe all students shoud access to and receive frequent status update, in person if possible.
Barry Westling
what about the student that bug and ask all the time about it
Joshua,
Electronic grading systems are great, in part for the reasons you stated. Even so, I think there is merit in meeting with students on a personal, individual basis periodically. I think this allows us to convey we care, offer advice, support and encouragement, and build credibility and trust between instructor and student.
Barry Westling
Our intranet system gives the students a day to day account of their standing in the course. It is invaluable. They can adjust and focus based on their individual grade and understanding. They can find help more quickly if needed.
Kristen,
Right! Students want direction, and need that special reaffirmation or advice from their instructor. I like to use this time to encourage students -- even the worst performing, disinterested student deserves encouragement, and perhaps in some small way, that contributes to their outlook and approach to their performance in the classroom.
Barry Westling
I feel students are typically more willing to interact in class and tend to work harder when they know the status of their grade.. whether it be to better their grade if poor or if it to continue the good work and efforts they have made. Either way it is a positive method to use.
Randall,
Perfect! Without direction and encouragement, few students can really excel without the knowledge of their performance and status.
Barry Westling
Its important that students get a sense of accomplishment by being updated regularly on how they are doing in a course. It also helps to give advance warning to some students that are struggling and gives me an opportunity to offer any assistance I can.
Tiffany,
Being proactive is a method that helps prevent students from dropping too low, too fast, before we can intervene.
Barry Westling
I feel this allows them to know where they stand in your class. If they are not doing so well that would be the time to sit down with them and help them think of a strategy on how to study better or how to retain the information diffrently.
Graham,
Sometimes it's difficult to get a reading on student performance early. I've even had students claim I was harassing them when I conveyed their progress to date (I believe this was only their own frustration projected towards me). I think comparing school performance to the work setting is probably the best example we can give students, in an attempt to have it make sense to them and have meaning -- enough to make needed changes. Early on and frequently provides a useful method to steer students towards the direction we want to see.
Barry Westling
As we approach the end of term I do discuss how students are doing, I did tell my class that it would be very unfair of me to let you go this long and then tell you that you are failing the course with no time left for you to make up missed work.I compare it to the real world if you are a poor employee I hope you have a boss that will give you notice to improve or put you on probation rather that just walk up to you and say your fired.California is an at will state and you can be let go at anytime without any reason given.I find it very important to inform any in trouble students right after the first quiz.
Richard,
All students, but adults in particular need and want feedback (good or otherwise). Adult learners are accustomed to seeking results, and giving feedback on a regular basis helps supply this need. Adults are also consumers, and as a consumer, they expect an effective learning experience for their money. Without active feedback from their instructor, drifting from achieving the course objectives may occur, leading to (the perception) of a less than quality product.
Barry Westling
It is important for the students to know where they stand in the class. Especially in adult education, where the majority of the students are in it 110%, there are several students that also work, have kids, drive a long distance. Be knowing there current position in the class, it can help them to evaluate whether or not they need to come early one day, or budget there time to study a little more one week. It helps the student to better organize their life, and adjust there time and focus when needed.
Jamie, I completely agree. The more feed back you give to the students as soon as possible the better prepared they will be for the remainder of the course and it also removes the old saying "you did not tell me where I was" for a student that is having difficulties in the course This gives the instructor an easier path to positive completion of the course.
Stella,
Great! Early intervention and information provides the best opportunity for students to make progress. Even if the news is less than wonderful, I believe students appreciate the time and effort an instructor is willing to provide to their students. And when students feel their instructor is wanting to see achievement and success, this helps build trust, credibility, and respect.
Barry Westling
Keeping the students informed of their status will keep them engaged in the learning process and give them the indication of their progress, this can be a motivating factor if their are on target. I can also give the students who are struggling an indication that something has to be done before it's too late and the student fails the course.
Martin,
Using a sports metaphor, it's sort of like a coach, focusing not so much on the errors, but providing support, encouragement, and advice on how to make sustained progress.
Barry Westling
Aaron,
Instructors should appreciate the need students have to be given course status and updates, along with advice and suggestions for improvement. When performed regularly, a positive relationship can develop between the student and instructor when the student realizes their instructor is wanting to see the best outcomes possible.
Barry Westling
The students need to know how they are doing in a particular course. It empowers the student to evaluate if he/she needs tutoring or extra help. Or, maybe its a "job well done" for the student making great progress.
