Following up on assignments,and checking student's work,shows the student that the time they put into the assignment matters.It isn't just a "time killer".A situation happened with me when I first started teaching.A substitute was covering for me,and I had assigned the student's a reading and summary paper.When I came back I handed back their work for their notes.One of the biggest questions from the student,s was "didn't you even grade them".I learned my lesson from this situation.
Hi Ted,
Students must fully understand that every assignment has a purpose, and every assignment enhances the learning objective.
Patricia
This is an important classroom function to establish the performance expectation that the assignment is important and must be completed properly & in a timely manner and it helps prepare them to respond in a professional manner to work/project assignments.
It is very important to follow up on student assignments and readings so we can monitor the students'work if they have correct answers to the assignment. Besides this, students will make it a regular habit to do their work once assignment is given. Students will not think something like "Why will I do the assignment when the teacher is not even checking it?"
Hi Jessica,
You are certainly on point! Students generally follow lead from the insructor. If they know that you are going to check their work, they will do it, otherwise if the instructor is slack, the student will become slack.
Patricia
Our school's policy for assignments is: "All homework is due on the date that it is scheduled. Your instructor will accept homework after the due date. However, the first day an assignment is late 10% will be deducted; the second day 15% will be deducted; the third day 20% will be deducted. No assignment that is a week late will be accepted. This includes reports, assignments, workbooks, etc…." It seems to work. I do have to stress that it's day not class period. LLS
Hi Gina,
There must be structure in the classroom! It is only fair to students to give them deadlines and to stick to those deadlines.
Patricia
It is important to follow-up for several reasons. One reason is so that students realize that the work given is not just busy work and that it has a purpose in helping them learn the lesson. A second reason, that the module talks about, is to encourage responsibilty in unprepared students. If they see that you're serious about the work and collecting the work when it is due, they may be more likely to get the work completed on time. Finally, it gives the teacher a chance to check on mastery and understanding of material by the students.
If you do not follow up on assignments and readings that you have given to your students, the students will quickly become frustrated and upset that you have been having them do work for no reason. In addition, following up on assignments and readings lets your students know that you are serious about your learning environment. When you do not follow up on assignments, you will quickly "lose" your students and their respect.
The students need to know what to expect in class. If you are unpredictable with due dates this will only cause confusion and frustration.
Hi Angela,
Awesome response! Each assignment given should be meaningful and add as an enhancement to the course objective. No assignment should be given just for the sake of being given. Students have to much else going on to have to just do busy work.
Patricia
Following up on assignments and readings let students know you take your class seriously and lets them know that you care about the work they produce. Students will realize that these assignments are not just "busy work", but rather informative and educational and have a purpose to their learning. Nothing frustrates students more than not having their work valued and appraised.
It also gives the instructor a chance to evaluate and give feedback to the student prior to a test. An instructor could identify gaps in knowledge prior to the first test and help fill in those gaps so student outcomes are higher on the test.
For me, if you don't follow up, then what's the point of having the assignment in the first place? Students need feedback in order for them to self assess their work. Instructor feedback enables them to see if they are on the right track, and can also help get the student on the right track in a timely manner if the course is one that has building blocks each week.
Hi Gina,
That's right, and as their instructor we should want to know if our students are grasping the material or not so that if they are not we can provide special assistance.
Patricia
It is important to follow up with the students on their assignments, so that they can hve feedback on the course. It helps them see if they are understanding the course
This will enforce your policy regarding homework and assignments and your students will know that you are sincere and committed to their responsibilities.
Hi Albert,
I really like how you keep your students on their toes. I can see how your practices encourage your students to do their work. No one likes being caught off guard; they know you will follow up on assignments.
Patricia
It is very important to follow up with the assignments given as it shows if the students understand what is taught in the class. Also, it gets them ready for the professional world where they have to meet deadlines. Also it teaches the student that the assignments given are not for fun and that they need to get serious and finish it to get their grades.
It's important for a number of reasons. It definitely instills the behavior of actually doing the work. Very often I hear stories of teachers who assign work and then don't check, follow up or even mention it again. Many of the students get caught "holding the bag" as they say in my classes. They quickly learn that they must be on top of things or their time in my class will be hard on them.
I habitually give daily quizzes which I announce the first day of class and is clearly announced in the syllabus.
I require the students read chapters in their text books and then have them bring their books to class after two days or so from the assignment. I use them in class (there are many math questions and formulas, plus excellent graphics in them) and work directly from them in class. If the student dose not do the reading and/or bring the book, I will require them to group up with another who has and they will be the first to read aloud from the book when the 'reading' period takes place.
For practical assignments, since class time may not allow for all students to present their work to the class collectively, I will randomly call on students to make a presentation to the class that we will all constructively critique... this methodology definitely keeps them sharp and on their toes.
Aside from the obvious grading requirments, it also prepares students to meet deadlines in the workplace. Follow though is a huge measure for future success. It goes back to the old management saying - that people tend to do what is inspected not expected.
