Class Assignments
I find that you have to be careful about the amount of work that you assign at one time. Many students have difficulty processing to much information at once so it works best to issue a little at a time.
Hi Karen:
Another method to consider is the use of a grading rubric. In addition to the very fine method you've described, rubrics can assist instructors by removing any doubt as to what the expectations for an assignment will be.
Regards, Barry
I also try to give large assignment due dates and details on the first day of class so the students can manage their time accordingly. I also provide reminders on my lesson plan (copied and given to students) as to when the due date is so they always have it in front of them.
Hi Oriole:
I think all assignments should complement and work towards the student understing the material for a given lesson, however and wahtever way that nis achieved. Homework or no homework - it doesn't matter if the student doesn't learn. So, if what you're doing gets the needed information across, thats fine.
Regards, Barry
Our school has a very tight schdule and I find that having no homework is better. We do a large project every week in class what isn't finished by the end of the class is the homework.
So there really isn't a homework assignment. If students get behind or need extra help we have open labs twice a week, and I make it a point to allow my students to come in and work durring my other classes, that way they can ask a question if they need to.
So although we have large assignments that can't be broken down into small units, we offer lots of outside help.
Hi Bari:
Good. Individual study in a classroom setting can also give brighter students an opportunity to help weaker students. If an instructor assigns this kind of activity, more often then not, the bright student will feel appreciated for being asked to perform such an important job!
Regards, Barry
I like to give my students the opportunity to work at their own pace. I like it better when the whole syllabus is available so those curious students can move forward when they are ready.
Hi Sheri:
Pacing and sequencing the assignments can be extremly helpful or harmful, depending on how they're delivered and the time the students have to complete them. One helpful hint is I always make sure instructions are clear and I ask for questions. There's nothing more frustrating to a student to be at home (or away from school and access to the teacher) and find they don't understand somethiong about an assignment. They're stuck and can't move. Ugh!
Regards, Barry
I agree. Too much homework or classwork at one time does not help the student at all. If anyting, it hurts them.
Hi Paul:
Great. Applied assignments with variety stimulate creative minds and critical thinking skills in students. Good job!
Regards, Barry
Assignments, in my opinion, need to vary in type and length. For example, in our wirting class we have a small press release assignment, a medium-sized cookbook treatment and a large marketing plan that is divided into sections.
Hi Shaista:
You've described a good way to award bonus points in a way that works for your class. In others, that wouln'nt work at all. Glad it works and hope it assists your students.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marla:
You cited a good example of cooperative learning among your cadre of faculty. Sounds like everyone is pretty much on the same page for working for the best results for the students.
Regards, Barry
I would usually give small assigments especially for bonus points. Most of the time they are turned in on time since i set up the time & day after that no assigment will be accepted & i am firm about it no matter what the reason for the delay was.
I agree. Instructing in a career college setting, there is a lot of material covered in a short period of time. The students sometimes get overwhelmed when there is more than one large assignment in multiple courses. Our faculty tries to be flexible with the due dates, as to not overwhlem the students.
Hi Estrella:
Great - if you have the time and scheduling capability, small bits of information provided over several days accompanied by repetition reinforces the retention of information, helping put into long term memory (vs short term memory, i.e., memory loss).
Regards, Barry
I try to bunch like assignments and do them over a period of two days. I find that refreshing the students on a subject over a two day consecutive period helps to drive home the point much better.
Hi Troy:
Good point! I agree that students will do better if given smaller chunks of info at a time. And the more variety and mixture of media choices will positively contribute as well.
Regards, Barry
