Some students like to work ahead because of thier bussy schedules
Showing examples to the students tends to put them at ease about the course. A course can look very overwhelming on paper, but if it is explained well and samples are given, the course seems like less of a threat.
I assign a research paper and presentation. I find that students like to see an example before starting their work. Mnay of the students are competitive, and they want to be sure they are doing the project"right". I use the previous class's work as an example.
Hi Jennifer,
Visual brings about better clarity.
Patricia
Showing an example will show the student what your expecations are and what they should strive for in order to receive the best grade that they possibly can.
Setting clear expectations for students on the kinds of assignments they will be tasked with completing can help avoid confusion and uncertainty from the very beginning. The more students know at the beginning, the more likely the "buy-in" factor will be present. Taking it a step further, showing them actual student examples from previous classes (with those students' permission, of coure), will also help students better understand how the work is expected to be completed, and illustrates the standards by which the work will be graded. While giving students a rubric does this as well, some students will get a better sense of how the rubric works by taking a look at actual samples.
I think it is helpful because then students have a guideline and also expectations of their future assignments. They can also visualize and have a clearer idea of what each assignment will involve.
Hi Stacy,
Always have the students to participate so that you can measure as to whether they are understanding or not.
Patricia
I ll agree that you need to demostrate by examples, but you need to include the students to particapte in the examples for comperhension.
Providing students the opportunity to visually see a project, one that has met or exceeded the instructor's expectaions, is like presenting to them a visual rubric. Because most of my adult learners are visual learners, this sample complements the project rubric with little to no questioning of what is required to receive the best grade.
Most people learn best by seeing...so when I show students examples of what the expectation is, it is much easier for the student to have a vision and clear understanding of what they need to do in order to be successful.
Hi Julie,
Visualization adds clarity. Most of our students are visual learners.
Patricia
Showing examples of expected work allows them to visualize the objective.
Students generally want to know what is expected and what is needed to be successful in class work and assignments. By showing exemplars of quality work, there is no guess work on the part of students as to what is expected. Not only do I share such high quality work, I also provide them with what poor quality work looks like so there are no questions about what is unacceptable, as well. If students understand the expectations, they generally rise to the occassion. Additonally, I provide a scoring rubric and spell out specifically what it takes to earn an A, B, or C. It is part of the course syllabus. Work that is of poor quality is not accepted and is considered on the rubric as " work in progress." Ds and Fs are not acceptable for someone who wants to have a successful career. Students are afforded tutorial assistance and support, but dead lines and minimal work are not acceptable.
By applying "real world" work expectations there are very few students who simply don't make the grade.
Dr. Sandy Gecewicz
It gives them a much clearer view of what is expected, what they will be learning, how they will go about learning, and creating new ways to perform what is to be learned. It gives them a sample of how they can prepare themselves to be the best at what they are here for.
I totally agree. I also feel there is a catharsis for students that are uncomfortable with a skill set that they will be critiqued on. It calms their nerves and gives them confidence that they too can accomplish the task.
Hi Joel,
I agree! By showing students examples, it gives the students the idea that this assignment is achieveable.
Patricia
Examples provide a visual representation of course objectives.
This solidifies what is expected as well as giving the new student that other students before them have successfully completed the same requirements that are asked of them. They may also use it as a model for how they will approach their own project.
I have a staff member who went to medical billing school aprox 5 years ago and did a great job on her portfolio, I take that in for my current students to look through, it gives them inspiration and a great resource for what may be expected of them
