Angie,
Yes, adult learners especially find it important to want and expect to know their status. With information, responsible students will know what corrections to make or type of assistance they need. Even students doing well want and deserve to know their status.
Barry Westling
This is important to my students so they will know what there status is at the that time. It makes a difference on students that want to be successful in their studies.
Nathan,
I believe adult learners want and expect to know their status, and are usually warm to suggestion for improvement and words of care and encouragement.
Barry Westling
Some students will see their progress and self correct if they are not where they want to be grade wise. For those who don'tit gives an instructor a good place to start when talking to or councling a student. It let's you and the student see where the problems might be, whether it's homework, attendance or test scores.
And it's better to get a grasp on any problems your students might have earlier rather than when it's to late to make a difference.
Sue Ellen,
Without feed back from their instructor, students are kind of traveling in the dark. Timely notification of grade and class status is critical to students knowing how and where additional attention may be needed.
Barry Westling
It is important to let students know where they stand in the course so they are aware of what they need to improve their performance.
Katie,
My motto is "frequent and early on" as it relates to sharing grade information. Adult students want and expect to know how they're doing, and I feel it's important to share as much as I can frequently and in enough time to make corrections. I also try to meet in person, as I feel that reinforces the instructor/student relationship, and allows me to convey my interest and care in seeing their successful completion.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep students informed of their statue in the course so that they know where they stand as far as their grade. When it comes down to the end of the course, their final grade will determine if they pass or fail. I try to return student exams as soon as possible and post their grades online at the same time.
Adonis,
Yes, and offering supportive encouragement can also assist just about all students at all levels.
Barry Westling
It gives them a sense of accomplishment when they are doing well in the course. Also, if they are not doing well in the course, they need to know early in order to change their study and work habits accordingly.
Kimberlee,
Sounds good. Getting feedback sooner than later is key to students understanding their status in class, and as you suggest, making plans for corrections if needed. I like to personalize discussions as often as I can. I think the opportunity to offer my advice and suggestions, along with encoragement and support are helpful ways to reinforce trust, respect, and promote positive relationships.
Barry Westling
In our dept., quizzes/tests are always returned at the next class meeting and discussed. In addition, Mid-term conferences are conducted with the students to review their clinical standing. This gives them the opportunity to lay out a plan, if needed, to ensure all of their requirements will be completed by the end of the Term.
Alana,
Providing performance status is just as important as instructional duties. I think frequent and early on discussions in person work the best as I can share what I think are the strengths and perhaps weaker areas that the student needs to work on. Since I am the one giving the grades I feel like it's important for me to personnaly give the advice and encouragement that can assist student towards their personal and course goals of successfulness.
Barry Westling
It is important for students to know how they are doing in the course. If students are not doing well in their course, they are able to seek help in areas they are having problems.
In my teaching experience, I have used an electronic grading system so that students have access to their grades at all times. Although this system make work for most students, I have others who don't log into their accounts and check their grades. Therefore, I must inform them of their grade on a weekly basis. It's usually those students who don't do so well in the course.
Tessie,
Good point. It reminds me that sometimes the instructor learns of their need to make adjustments in the delivery of course material.
Barry Westling
Dan,
Right. It doesn't take much. Class has more meaning when a students feels it's personal, and the instructor cares about their success.
Barry Westling
Wendy,
Instruction is so dynamic, the place for progress or improvement discussion is just as important as the delivery. Students like when they feel they can receive class information with advice, counsel, and/or encouragement.
Barry Westling
Anthony,
Instruction involves a degree of trusted relationship between student and instructor. Sharing performance status is a way to reinforce the relationship (even if the information is unpleasant).
Barry Westling
Kim,
You're right, improvement can only occur if it is known that it's needed. So, the sooner the better.
Barry Westling
Alwyn,
I like the interaction that occurs with sharing news, even if it ins't wonderful. I can convey care along with advice. Either way, the student should sense I'm assisting them towards their success.
Barry Westling
