Dale Carr

I have found that it is not only important to following up on assignments that have been given, but that doing so in a timely fashion has a significant positive impact on students’ performance. I discovered that by allowing students to submit assignments via a computer based program, which, offers almost instantaneous results, most student will opt to research questions that were marked wrong on the assignments. Yes students do label instructors and even disseminate information detailing which instructor are “push-over.”

Tiffany Heath

Hi Patricia,

I think it is important because it validates the need to complete the assignments, shows the student you are actually interested in their progress, and gives the instructor the ability to know where to place their focus. If a lecture or topic does not go as planned you can review it or tie it into another topic area. It allows the students to feel the pressure of meeting deadlines and how preparation is a major key to success.

Gordon Grotts

To show the students that the assignment is important and helps to keep them on schedule.

Robert MOura

I agree that holding students accountable will improve their ability to adjust in the real world. The behavior lessons learned in the classroom are important and reinforced when on the job. The classroom is a good place to build in accountability, and to understanding the repercussion of their actions, both positive and negative, both student and teacher.
A good example is when a student goes on externship. The same behavior in the classroom is usually the behavior of the students on their externships. Students who are late for class are usually late to their shifts at their externships. Student that are on time to class are usually on time for their externships.
Students that put effort in their class will put effort in their externship’s. Students that behave poorly in the classroom tend to do the same in their externships and careers.
Both reflect on the schools ability to train. Changing inappropriate behavior of the student in the classroom will improve their class scores, in addition to potentially improving the students’ lives professionally and personally.

Cindy Simpson

I give a handout at the first class listing all assignments and due dates. I also include the amount deducted for late assignments. This gives clear direction from the start but I do also remind the students again before the assignment is due.

Linda Corliss

Incorporating and reviewing homework helps to get all students complete the assignment and underlines the important aspects of the topic. Many test questions come from the homework assignments.

Ryan Howell

I have noticed that following up on assignments lets the students know you as an educator are not just giving them assignments for a grade. My students understand that any information I give them always pertins to the information I am currently teaching. The follow up also reinforces what they have learned during lecture, and also creates an opportunity for students to ask questions regarding the assignment.

Tim Grable

I also employ the daily quiz as a means of not only reducing tardies and absences but as a means of needs assessment. Discovering early that a student has poor or no effective study habits allows time to help support the student by teaching them not only the course materials but the skills necessary to be successful in the course and school.

Tim Grable

Following up on each assignment helps the students understand that each assignment adds value to the course and in many cases create a logical progression for the course materials and learning outcomes. I always use these opportunities to follow up with students individually when I feel they are either demonstrating an understanding of the material or lacking understanding or preparation. Often times in the beginning week or two of a course the students register surprise at the level of individual engagement and that creates clear expectations, demonstrates dedication and support to their success in the course and program.

Patricia Scales

Hi James,
I know, we all want to protect our students so that we have a high retention rate, but we should not sacrifie standards/rules to save a student.

Patricia Scales

James Barber

Allegedly in response to the new requirements we face from the Federal government if our students are going to qualify for student loans. If we toss students for any reason, it goes against our overall retention numbers.

Patricia Scales

Hi James,
Why would an institution relax its attendance requirements. We have strict attendance requirements, an our students know that we are not playing.

Patricia Scales

James Barber

Our school has *severely* relaxed its attendance requirements: following up on assignments and readings may be the only way to motivate my current crop of students to actually show up for class. It's certainly the only way we have to let them know we're serious.

Patricia Scales

Hi Daliann,
We need to hold students accountable and let them know that we are genuinely concerned about their learning by following up on assignments.

Patricia Scales

Daliann James-Swanger

This shows the students that you are not just giving them busy work but assessing their learning. It also helps them to take the instructor more seriously, knowing that they must be accountable for their assignment.

Michael Mcmahon

If you fail to "follow up" and actually grade the assignments that you give to your students, they will learn very quickly that they do not have to complete the assignments that you have given. I grade every assignment I give, even if it is just giving them credit for turning it in. This makes sure they understand that every assignment deserves their attention.

Patricia Scales

Hi Rebecca,
As an instructor you should want to know if your students are grasping the material or not. You need to know the progress of each of your students.

Patricia Scales

Rebecca Higginbotham

The most important reason is that if there is no follow up how I as an Instructor know if the assignment is being completed. This is also a great oppertunity to engage the students in open dialogue and ensure that everyone is understanding the lessons.

Katherine Juarez

I have found that following up on assignments and adhering to set due dates provides both structure and accountability with students., which they later appreciate