I would agree. I teach new Graphic Design students and it's very difficult for them to fully understand an art project without previous student's examples. This help them to break down the elements in order to re-build the whole.
Cindy R.
One reason this is important is to make the student aware of the expectations for the course; this can be helpful if the approach builds excitement for the days of class ahead.
Secondly, it can build a since of confidence for the student who is keenly focused on the goals of learning where they intersect with employment goals.
I agree that having an example reduces stress. I think that it helps the students that are perhaps new to the industry and have never seen or heard of some of the items or terminology utilized in the field. If they are allowed to view an example, it gives them locus from which to progenerate new ideas and develop strategies. The process of providing examples then edifies the education process in the form of allowing the transfer of knowledge (which is our mission as educators).
Hi Sandra,
Visuals certainly make things a lot clearer. Students really grasp what is being required, by seeing an example.
Patricia
so they gain a better understanding of expectations of the course work
Becasuse I teach a hands-on skill, actual examples of the work we will be doing are invaluable both as illustrations of process and exemplars of my expectations. I can literally use examples as roadmaps to guide my students through the steps necessary to arrive at a satisfactory result, and the finished example provides a concrete representation of the qualities and characteristics spelled out in the rubric. Many I expect of them with only a verbal description. Concrete examples allow me to more vividly illustrate what I expect, and how they can succeed.
I find most students do better if they have a visual example. Plus, it eliminates repeated questions asked by students who may be confused as to what is expected. Having examples can also remove anxiety and stress that a student may have when starting a new class.
Providing examples of work that will be performed builds a foundation for students and keeps them grounded. Some students are linear thinkers, and do better with that style of thinking versus thinking abstractly. Providing examples gives the student a basis for a starting point, or even a springboard. With an idea presented to them, student can then take that idea and move forward in many directions. In some cases the base idea will get the student thinking in new directions and applying new and different thought processes. Ultimately, creating new and different thought processes are among some of the skill sets that we want to provide students with.
I have tried both, I have given the students a detailed rubric of what is expected out of them with their papers and I have also given them an example of a paper in the correct format (APA).
Original student thought is important so I will give an example of a paper written about another subject so papers don’t mirror the example.
I do agree some type of example is important.
Kent
they see it first hand and they get an idea of what is expected. They also then have something to refer back to
Hi Diana,
You must protect the student's confidentiality. It works really well whenever you show the three different grade level ranges for a particular project.
Patricia
It is important because is gets the students motivated and they are able to connect and relate the information learned to the course in which they are enrolled.
Showing examples of past student work helps provide concrete ideas for current students of what is expected of them. I like to show examples of work that meet expectations, exceed expectations, or come up short of expectations. Of course, the names of students that authored all shown work must be blackened out. In addition, any identifying phrases or sentences must also be omitted to protect the confidentiality of any student.
Hi Clifton,
Examples do show that this can be done. Things seem to fall in place for students once being shown an example.
Patricia
Hi Silvana,
Students find examples to be extremely helpful. They appreciate the opportunity to see the final product, thus giving them the belief that they can do same thing.
Patricia
I think that one it helps them to know what will be expected of them, and two it makes them excited for what they will be doing.
Hi Delbert,
Visual learning is so effective. Seeing is believing. An example gives students the motivation that the goal is attainable.
Patricia
I love this idea. The course I teach doesn't have much flexibility for taking this sort of time though. In my class, students receive a copy of the rubric with each assignment. How can I get students to pay attention to the rubric before they hand in their project/assignment?
Hi Robert,
You are right. Even though an example is being shared a nonintimidating approach needs to be established as well.
Patricia
I believe showing students example work displays the quality of work that the instructor is expecting and the quality that the student should expect from themselves. It can be a real inspiration to them, but you have to be careful that it doesn't stiffle them also. You have to assure them that you will be instructing them on the steps necessary to achieve that level of quality.
