Every student is anxious to know where they stand in the class, and how they are progressing. Many times, students may think they are performing well, when in fact they are not, even to the point of failing. Or the reverse may be true. I like to let students know, mid-way through the class, how they are doing. This way, they can make a strong effort to buckle down and improve if their grades are low. No one likes to be taken by surprise at the end of the term, to find out they have failed the class.
Hi Eva:
Right. Pretesting can assist students understand where to put their energies for studying, just as it helps the teacher understand and modify where weaker portions of their class can be improved.
Regards, Barry
Hi Trinidad:
Communication with students occurs on so many levels, it's difficult to try to isolate just one avenue. I think 1 on 1 is best when discssing performance because it helps reinforce the interpersonal relationship with teacher-student.
Regards, Barry
Students should be aware of their status so that they can increase study time as needed to help develop their understanding of the material being covered.
Another advantage of giving students prompt feedback is that it helps the teacher to understand where he or she may need to develop more in-depth course content or a new delivery method.
Hi Mary:
Great! I like that open communications comment. The more open the better. I think using practices that encourage 1 on 1 discussion with students is the best when discussing class performance.
Regards, Barry
It is important to keep students informed of their status in the course at all times because it is important for them to be abreast of where they are at in the class and how they are doing. It is also important to keep them informed so that they know what is working and what is not working in terms of their study habits.
Keeping students informed of status in the course allows for open communication to make necessary changes if need be in the manner in which the subject matter is presented or in the students particpation in learning. Students have a desire to hear feedback about themselves even if it means change on their part. Everyone wants to do well but some need more encouragement.
Hi Kym:
Great analogy - thanks for sharing. I think there's a couple of version of informing students. Of course, the formal way, sitting down with a student and informing them where they stand with points or a grade.
Another version is less formal and involves a more personal touch, along the lines of encouagement and providing caring advice.
Yet another might be concurrent, such as during the class, asking for feedback from students and, based on their responses, providing a cue to the degree the student has adequately answered the question.
All methods, if done with respect and coutesey, should be appreciated by the student. They should be able to see the "value of their future investment grow".
Regards, Barry
Students are paying good money to come to our school and they want to see what their ROI is (Return on Investment). No different than checking the performance of a stock you buy. If they are not performing well enough they will consider switching strategies like we'd consider switching stocks.
It is only fair to let them know what their performance is like. How can they know if they are getting the material if you don't tell them.
Hi Victoria:
In some classes at some institutions, the student is never informed of their grade until final grades come out. To me, with all the electronic communication options at our disposal, that just seems pitiful.
I also think that it's good for the teacher to make a good personal connection with students to reinforce the relationship and assure them we are there to help, offer assistance, or provide advice if asked. Students will appreciate it if they believe their teacher cares about their success.
Regards, Barry
It is important because you do not want a student to have a false sense of security in their grade, that is that they think they are doing well when actually they are not. Some students need that push of knowing that their grade is suffering in order to focus more on their work.
Hi Carlos:
Yes, commend, not condem!
Regards, Barry
They all want to know. It helps them to be motivated as well as correct any deficiencies in their education thus making them better educated students.It also shows that you care about them as you commend them as well as give solution oreinted advise.
Hi Jennifer:
You've made a good point about keeping the stress level to a minimum. Certainly, when students face the facts, it's bound to allay some fear (stress).
Regards, Barry
I believe that it helps let the students know where they stand. Each week I let my students know their grade and the number of tardies they have. Some students stress themselves out worrying about their grade. I have found that by keeping them frequently posted it keeps their stress level down.
Hi Jason:
Right! Nobody likes surprise. I also like to take time to connect with the student (to the degree they're comfortable) when I'm sharing academic information. I think it helps build a stronger relationship with the student, which helps the trust and respect factor.
Regards, Barry
Inspect what you expect - making sure students know exactly where they stand is vrey important. Progressing through a course with the student aware of exactly where they stand eliminates surprises at the end.
Hi Victoria:
I agree with you, and think there are advantages to electronic and "instant" reporting of grades and associated assignments. I don't think this should be a substitute for face-to-face dialog because connecting personnaly with students is very important too.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jocelyn:
Good points. I also think this provides an opportunity for the student to see that you're on their side, working together for the benefit of their learning and success. It's a connection opportunity!
Regards, Barry
If the students know the status in the course at all times, they can monitor if they should put more effort into the course or they are succeeding and accomplishing what expected. I appreciate the electronic methods of grading in which the student can look up their grades immediately after the instuctor posts them in the grade book. This way they get almost immediate feedback as to their status.
