This is an area where I realized I need to make some major improvements. In the past I've thought that it was the student's responsibility to complete the work (ie. chapter reading) without my intervention. But now I realize that the accountability factor rewards the students who work hard and motivates the others to get more out of the class. It's a win for everyone.
I'm going to create some chapter guides and add more quizzes to my curriculum.
Hi Nancy,
Sometimes students need additional work to grasp the concept, regardless as to whether or not the grade will count.
Patricia Scales
Our standardized curriculum doesn't allow for additional graded work so it is particularly critical that the students understand from the beginning that additional assignments can be given that will not necessarily have a grade assigned to it.
It is important to initially state what the expectations are for the assignments! This should also be stated in the syllabus. About 3 days before the assignment is due, I like to address the whole class and ask them where they are with their assignment. This allows other students to see where their classmates are with their work. It helps students guage where they should be, and reminds them that it is important, because their classmates are doing it. Some students will have their assignments complete at that point.
Hi Bronzel,
Most students are not going to put forth the effort if assignments are not followed up.
Patricia Scales
Hi Rhonda,
We have to hold students accountable for assignments, otherwise they will not do the assignments.
Patricia Scales
Following up with students assignments is a must.Teacher or Instructors, most of the time, must follow a syllabus or curriculum.You only have a few weeks to cover a large amount of material. So, accountability is the key to success for me. When the instructor follows up with the student, it allows the student to retain the information. This process of learning carries the information from the student's working memory to their long term memory.
Following up with assignments have let my students know that i am serious about the assignments i have given. if it is due fri, on wed i ask if they have started their papers. i bring it up on thurs and fri morning i remind that it is due at the end of class.
At one time, I did not "check off" completed assignments. I only graded a daily assessment. However, I noticed students would not do the work. By setting a deadline for an assignment and checking it off before the class discussion, most students will make sure to have the assignments completed.
Hi Doug,
Students like it and will try harder when they know that incentives are involved.
Patricia Scales
its important to follow up with students to offer feedback on opportunities for improvement. the purpose of these types of grading opportunities is for the feedback, so to not receive it in a timely manner is counterproductive
I think it is important because the student realizes you care about what you are doing and assigning. As a student I had instructors that i questioned if they even looked at my work after the effort I put forth and I found this very frustrating and also lost interest in the class. This is not something I want my students to think!
James,
Those are some great ideas. I will definitely consider adding this to my class. I am always looking for new ways to add incentive!
Following up on assignments tells my students I am interested in their performance, and sets the stage for students to know I do what I say, am trustworthy, and take time to make their education inportant to me. I wannt my students to succeed, and helping them get assignments finished and knowing if they have completed their readings, sends a good message.
I've found that if you don't follow up on assignments early on in the class, that when it really counts for students to turn things in, they won't think it's important. I like to make up worksheets regarding the material I've told them to read up on, and then at the beginning of class, I hand out the "mini quiz" and see if they did indeed do the reading. After a couple of days they get the hint that the reading assignments are indeed important.
Hi Patricia,
Absolutely! The workplace is not going to tolerate deadlines not being met.
Patricia Scales
I write chapter reviews for the students to do. This requires them to read the textbook. They have to be turned in on time and are given a grade. I then use them to review for the midterm and final. I find this is the only way to get them to use the textbook.
I have always had a system of point reductions for late assignments. I liked your idea of 20% for each day it is late which limits the period to 5 days. Students need to learn the importance of completing tasks on time as this will apply to the job site.
I have found that if I don't follow up with assignments, I lose a great deal of credibility with the class. This just makes my job harder.
Hi Kenneth,
Great points expressed! Our students must know how to be held accountable, and following up with assignments is one way to teach them that they must meet deadlines or else.
Patricia Scales
