I always make sure that I inform my students of their grades in class so if they need to create a action plan to bring there grade up they have the time to correct the areas that they are weak in before the end of class.
To keep students wanting to learn and doing their best you must keep them informed regularly of their progress. This will even help students want to take on special projects.
Deborah,
I think the main thing is students need to know how close (or far) from meeting the course learning objectives they are. However that can be accomplished, students will benefit.
Barry Westling
It is important ot keep students informed about their status in class because it is how student guage their progress, or lack therof, with the material being presented. I also feel that theri are many methods of evaluation that do not always include a test at the end of every chapter. A good instructor can elicit what they need from a student for evaluation besides tesing them to death. Personally, students who have anxiety over testing do even more porly on tests and that is not always the best way to guage comprehension.
Shawna,
This is great. Viewing graded material instantaneously coupled with some positive encouragement and feed back from the instructor can do wonders to make a student feel they know where they stand and that their instructor cares about their learning and success.
Barry Westling
We have an electronis gradebook I keep my students up to date on their grades through didactics. I encourage the students to look at this daily due to constant up dating. I also encouragge students to see me after class if their grades are in question or to discuss their progress. I find I can help with a student's study habits and fit in a higher quality tutoring session if done within a timely manner.
Gregrey,
I really think students appreciate the time and concern expressed when instructors take time to share course progress, especially when that's done in person. Without a plan, students have little to base their studey efforts on.
Barry Westling
I agree with keeping students up to date with their scores to eliminate the suprise at the end of the course but it also lets them know what work has not been turned in and the importance of getting their work turned in on time.
Christopher,
Sharing current status is important to adult learners. No one likes surprises at the end of a course.
Barry Westling
We move fast in our class and it is challenge for all students to keep up by evaluating weekly I can catch the students falling behind and offer catch up solutions.
Darcey,
Great! Sharing student performance status, whether electronic or print-out version is absoutely needed in order to help students steer in the right direction, making small (or large) adjustments to successfully arrive at their desired destination by course end. And I think having some personal contact along the way is very helpful, as it shares both information and sentiment that the instructor cares about their student's success.
Barry Westling
No one wants to be "suprised" at the end of a course and wonder why they were never "told." Thankfully, our grading system is electronic and I am continually reminding students to look on the portal to see how they are doing. Of course, the grading system must be clearly explained on day 1. With grading being electronic I make sure I grade all work and enter it in the system before leaving for the day. Once this becomes a habit and routine it becomes very easy to do. I also take notes on the roster during the class to remember to enter key points . . . and also if the student has a question I have a documented note of why there grade was adjusted.
Mabel,
Great plan and glad you have the resources aligned to offer accurate information to your students.
Barry Westling
Keeping my students updated on their status is enhanced by our electronic Student Portal. I also track students, and offer tutoring, study tips, and suggestions as to how to improve their grades. The one-on-one is vitally improtant to their success.
Lori,
Electronic grading is terrific these days, enabling students to view their graded activities. I think adding personal communication regularly also conveys an added sense of caring, and the opportunity to give more precise status information.
Barry Westling
I always remembered what it was like to be a student. I did not like it all when instructors took forever to grade quizzes, projects & tests. I wanted to know where I stood in the course. IF they could not tell me I grew very frustrated. I remember this when I am teaching and give feedback as quickly as possible. I update my grades daily via our electronic grading system and any student of mine at any time can see exactly how they are doing in my class. I think that is only fair to them.
Travis,
Great! Getting tests, homework, quizzes, and other graded material returned promtly helps students get a feel for their progress, but also shows the students their instructor wants to share progress. When I pass back a quiz and someone has done poorly, I make a point to review the quiz individualy with the student. I do it because I want them to understand thei missed information, and I also think that act convey care and concern for the students performance.
Barry Westling
My students always want to be aware of their progress in my classes. I expect students to turn in their work on time. I should be held to the same standard. I always make sure assignments and tests are returned ASAP.
Murielle,
Yes, information on status or performance helps students guage the reality of what is needed to make improvements or continue improvement and learning in classes.
Barry Westling
I remember how important for me to know how I was doing in my courses as a student, I feel my students feel the same way, it is good to receive regular reports. Should a student be having difficulty, this will give them the chance to remedy the situation.
