Instant Feedback
If anyone struggles with the demand for instant feedback I recommend using an online grade portal so the students can login and see their overall and individual assignment grades anytime. Even if your school does not provide this feature, there are some great websites like www.engrade.com.
Engrade has really improved relations between my feedback-demanding students and I. They used to come ask me every single day (unable to wait for a weekly progress report), now they have access anytime and we only have to discuss it if they feel there is a discrepancy.
My school also utilizes Engrade and I love it. After reading the information so far in this forum and in this course, I really have begin to notice the difference between my students. The younger students all seem to want their quizzes and tests graded as soon as they turn them in, while the older students tend to not mind waiting a day or two.
Randy,
yes, we need to explore a variety of ways to get that instant feedback & information to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Fully agree with you, Catherine.... Engrade is an excellent tool for feedback to students and communication between students and instructors!
I've always used online grade portal which is very remarkable. My studends can log in at any time to check their grades, ask questions, share and compare questions and answers. They can also contact me at any time with questions concerning their grades.
I use an online gradebook that my students can access, but I also return their graded assignments to them for a discussion about their answers. Some students only care about their grades, but others want to figure out where they need to apply themselves in order to learn concepts that they didn't correctly apply on their quizzes or homework.
Marie,
this is so true & I have used this with my students when they want to know where they stand in the class, I remind them to check the learning portal.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Once our department had the approval to utilize online grading, it made all the difference in the world to providing instant feedback to the students. I also found the online grading to put some responsibility onto the student. Now, they did not have the excuse to state they didn't know how they were doing in a course. I make a point of posting grade updates weekly and that appears to appease the students.
Rosemary ,
I have a couple of faculty members who have tried this as well with good success; I'm planning on incorporating the next go round myself.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
John,
this is an excellent idea & helps make that personal connection that this generation also values so highly.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Instead of giving students "unit exams", I do a shorter weekly quiz on the prior week"s topic. This provides the student quick feedback. They seem to like this and keeps them contantly aware of their progress in grasping course material.
I utilize a system of individual critique with my students; in a positive and constructive manner. This style works with all of my generational learners because it is individualized and custom tailored and makes each student feel important and validated.
I agree, we use a student portal at my school and it works incredibly well. It's also nice to input grades right away so that students always have a feel for how they are doing in your class.
JOE,
great you see this, but also don't let them so dominate your time that you feel like you have to respond to everything immediately.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have begun to realize that this generation is expecting instant feedback much more often than I had done in the past and now it has become clear as to why . I will be more accepting in the fact that they are more eager to know much more quickly as to there progress than the last generation did.
Chris,
these portals really are a great way to help students stay up to date, which the Gen Yers love.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We use an online grade portal, not sure what interface it is as it does not say. But keeps students informed and updated on grade progress for the term.
We also use a online gradebook system as well,
all assignments,projects and quizzes are listed so the students know exactly what is expected to complete the the course. This is perfect for gen Y learners becuase as soon the grade is posted they can view any comments that have been noted by the instructor.
Engrade is good for grading. However, even tests are going to be needing instant feedback too. I have seen many students wanting the results asap. The grading period (day or two) is no longer acceptable. I am now exploring online exam or something that I could use online with results given to students immediately.
Not bad. My school requires that for the final grade justification. But I hesitate to overuse it since it takes away one's flexibility. A borderline grade for a good student with perfect attendance should have a little "give" for the instructor's judgment. Just plugging in daily or weekly progress can take that away. I prefer to discuss their grades individually when a student asks, and have their outcomes lined up in a personal spreadsheet. Yes, I'll put it in the school site as required, and keep up with it in a big class, but maybe leave a little space for a final evaluation. Since their final papers are typically at the end of the term, this gives me some judgment, which might not be true in an entirely performance driven class. It definitely is a fine line to walk, and one students don't seem to be aware of. (Not that I want them to expect unearned favorable treatment.)
