David,
This is good. It is a challenge to provide both effective ionstruction and continuous feedback about status in the course, yet that is needed. Our radar needs to be tuned in to each student, and we need to be ready to be proactive with students who need assitance early on.
Barry Westling
To let them know exactly where they are in the course. so that there are no suprises and everyone is on the same page. to address things right away.
Meagan,
I think whenever students know where they stand in a class, it provides momentum to either keep trying to maintain, work a little harder to improve, or take needed suggestions in order to pass the course. In any event, we can always offer our support and encouragement while discussing performance.
Barry Westling
It keeps students engaged in the course. Knowing their grades helps them keep up with any missing work, and keeps them accountable.
Aprilan,
Yes, so important to inform early on, and I think doing so frequently also can have an impact on steering students into the direction of better performance by not letting too much time lapse before receiving guidance, suggestions for improvement, advice, support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
For many of the courses I teach the material builds on itself. It's important for a student to know of their status in the course because it is difficult for them to understand a complex objective if the foundation of knowledge is not in place. Prompt feedback provides the student with this knowledge.
Annette,
Students will always respond to their instructor when support and encouragement accompanies suggestions for improvement.
Barry Westling
Tawnya,
Sure. No yelling or harshness is needed. In fact, more can be effectively conveyed when care and concern for the students success is expressed.
Barry Westling
Lito,
I agree it true how the instructor conveys progress can impact the way the student receives it. I believe nearly everyone can benefit from courteous, caring encouragement and support. That goes a long way with students, and helps build trust and respect between the instructor and student.
Barry Westling
Stephanie,
Just like instruction, early-on feedback about progress is an equal component to students knowing where they stand, improvements needed, and caring words of encouragement.
Barry Westling
because it shows them how they are doing in that subjest and makes them accountable for thier studies
Most students will respond to low scores with a plan to improve. Students may be encouraged if I focus their attention on their successes and assure them that one lower score will not bring an overall good grade down to badly.
Keeping students informed of their status in the course is very important to the student. It must be presented to the student in a very positive way regardless of whether the student is doing well in class or not. If the student needs to be congratulated for a work well done, then it only strengthens the student’s confidence and they will most likely continue to work hard to reach or even exceed their own expectations. If the student needs to be coached so that their behavior and performance can be elevated, then a very encouraging coaching session needs to happen telling the student that you are willing to work with them, will be there for them every step of the way, as they work towards the goal of meeting the course objectives and outcomes. The instructor will have to closely monitor the student’s performance and effort to make sure that the action plan in place is being followed by the student.
I see it as very important to keep the student informed on their grades and how they are doing over all.
If they are needing extra help it is better to be prepared rather than to mediate at the end.
It is too stressful for student and instructor to delay helpful input.
Reza ,
Electronic is great in that up to date info can be shared quickly. Yet sharing information where a personal connection with students, offering suggestions, advice, along with support and encouragement can be conveyed demonstrates that the instructor cares about their students.
Barry Westling
It keeps them motivated and tells them that the instructor cares about their progress in learning. I made an electronic grade book that I can show them anytime what grades they have so far in course and every two weeks I give them an evaluation of their progress.
Edwin,
Great sentiment, and I like your analogy to service like a waiter. When students know their status they're bound to do better and be more willing to put in the extra effort to perform up to our expectatioons.
Barry Westling
Wether simply voicing an incouraging word or telling a student that they need to provide a bit more effort do to class/lab time constraints, students appreciate an attentive teacher - as we appreciate attentive waitor. This ties in greatly with grades being kept current and available. It provides students with a sence of service, duty and professionalism.
Stephen,
Your post reminds me of the importance of personal discussions, so as to provide insight via tone, voice inflection, along with the data facts. Also, an opportunity to convey care, concern, and interest in the students performance can occur with personalized visits.
Barry Westling
It might be important to ensure that each student's perception of their own status is checked against reality. For example, a student might wrongly believe that they are doing well. In such a case, the student might mistakenly elect to forgo an opportunity for extra credit. Or they might not be as aggressive about asking for clarification of "little details" during lecture or class discussion.
