Scott,
Yes, and there is only so much time in a particular class. Falling too far behind before corrections are made may too late to make a significant difference in a grade. But more important than a grade is the student learning, and sharing grade and performance status frequently and early on is one to assure students are informed.
Barry Westling
Sandy,
Yes, with some sort of feedback, students will not have have clarity regarding where and to put their study efforts.
Barry Westling
I think it's important so that students know where they stand. They're assured when they do good work. Also they can see what mistakes they may be making, so those same mistakes aren't made again on future tasks.
So they will know if they are falling behind. Letting them know their grade early will allow them enough time to do any make-up work to catch up.
ROBERT,
I think personalized discussion regarding performance works better than just mere access to the same information, such as electronic grade books. We can demonstrate our empathy, convey we care, and offer support, that otherwise would be difficult to convey in written form. Student rapport is so inportant, and this affords one terrific opportunity to reinforce it.
Barry Westling
I think keeping students aware of their status in a class accomplishes two things .1) it keeps the lines of communication open between instructor and student and 2) it helps to motivate the student , the more feedback and mentoring the more the students wants to do well in the course.
Amanda,
Yes, there needs to be time for correction. And there needs to be time to give clear directives, suggestions, and advice on how grades can be improved, or commend students for outstanding work.
Barry Westling
Jennifer,
Electronic grading helps provide current grading. But even so, I still want to be able to personally chat with students. This takes a bit of time, but I feel it's worth hearing from the instructor directly, and helps me convey my sentiments for care and interest in student successes.
Barry Westling
Jennifer,
Students need direction. For me, face to face discussion is a better way to convey status, because I can also share my empathy, offer support and encouragement, and special advice and/or suggestions for improvement. I like to make it personal.
Barry Westling
It is good for students to know where they stand in a course becuase if they are doing poorly it may be a movtivator to do better or discussing it may reveal issues that are causing the student to do poorly. Its also good for the students who are doing well to know so, some of them stress out too much about grades and think they aren't doing well enough and it effects their later grades.
If the students know their status on a regular basis then it is easier for them to focus and improve than if they only get updates once or twice during a term. If they are further behind at that point than they expected they may be more likely to give up because they feel overwhelmed by how much they need to improve. If you keep them updated then can see the improvement every week.
Students need to know their standing in each course to make determinations on what needs to be done. I think it can help motivate students who are falling behind and encourage them to do better. Also, we have Withdrawal and Drop dates that are critical. These have an impact on financial aid and can really change things for our students.
Kayla,
Personalized advice and suggestions that come directly from an instructor are more likely to be accepted and followed. Also, trust and respect are strengthened when chatting with students, and this gives an opportunity to convey encouragement and that we care about individual student successes.
Barry Westling
Should I be meeting with my students one on one to let them know of their status?
Randolph,
Yes, without current feedback, a student may have less information about their status, and also less time to make needed corrections.
Barry Westling
The more feed back you give to the students as soon as possible the better prepaired 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 class
Dena,
Great. Sometimes, sharing performance information earlier on (before mid-term) so that helpful suggestions can be given and there is still plenty of time to make needed corrections.
Barry Westling
tara,
Serious students will value the time and advice given by concientious instructors who prioritize taking time to offer suggestion, support, and encouragement.
Barry Westling
It is importgant to keep them advised on their progress in the classroom and lab. Our school has a mid-term advising form they we do in tjhe middle of the course so they can see what they need to work on and where they may need some extra help.
So they know where their strength and weaknesses are to time-manage and focus accordingly.
