It is key to keep students informed at all times. No one likes surprises! Especially when it comes to their grades and where they stand. It gives them a sense stability whether its good or bad.
It serves two primary purposes. It allows the student to know what they are learning and what they could use additional assistance with. It also reveals potential red flags and offers opportunity for the student to seek assistance from the instructor before it is too late.
So they know how well they are doing or what should be done to improve grades that are not acceptable.
Students need to keep track of their progress and see the impact that each assessment has on their grades. They will be more successful if they follow their grade, and we can eliminate any surprises at the end of the quarter when it is too late to catch up if they need to.
Hi Jessica:
In addition, by showing a student where they are at, they can make changes in study habits to increase the chance of having more successful outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
The nice thing about electronic grade books, especially those that can individually viewed by the student to daily updates are the immediacy it allows for the student to make changes in study habits as early as possible.
Regards, Barry
Hi Suzanne:
That's right! And, like you've touched on, knowing grades in advance may also re-motivate a student to start changing study habits for more positive outcomes at the end of the course.
Regards, Barry
Hi George:
It also allows the student to make on-course corrections mid-class instead of everything crashing down on them at the end.
By improving study habits early, the student may experience a higher degree of success at the end.
Regards, Barry
Hi Heather:
In addition of keeping the student motivated, it gives them the chance to make changes in study habits that may result in more successful outcomes at the end of the course.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jason:
Exactly! By informing students where they are during the course, they are given the chance to make changes in study habits for more successful outcomes.
Regards, Barry
On the first day--and other times in the class--I mention the ways they can be successful in the course. For the current group of students, I actually made a handout of tips for success in the class. This included a few more tips that I wasn't covering before. Before I handed it out, I asked the students to share what they thought would make them successful in the class. This was great since they covered some of the really obvious (but important!) ones right off the bat, for example, show up for class and participate!
If students are informed about how they are doing in the course they are encouraged to use their strenghths and work on their weaknesses. They can focus on the areas that they need to study more. It also helps you as the instructor so that you can help that particular individual.
Students are eager to know how the class is going for them. It will make them feel at ease if they are doing well. If they are struggling, they may work harder or be prompted to ask for help.
It is important for both the student and the instructor to know if the students are comprehending the course material. If all students are struggling maybe the delivery method needs to be changed. The students may also need some remediation. If all students are doing well the instructor may want to add more challenging concepts to keep the students engaged. If it is too easy, they may get bored.
Keeping students informed of their progress will let them know if there are any areas that need improvement.
Hi Kobie:
By allowing the student a chance to see where they are, they can make changes in study habits for more successful outcomes at the end of the course.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gordon:
Exactly! And by allowing them the chance to make corrections, they will have a better chance at more successful outcomes at the end of the course.
Regards, Barry
Students want to know how they are succeeding in your course. Some schools have a limited period for the dropping /adding of courses. Students often want to test the waters, to be sure that are satisfied with the course requirements and instructor's methods. Some schools have a withdrawal deadline for partial refunds so this feedback is essential to student retention.
It's important feedback for students (& me) to gauge how well they are doing in the class, esp. early-on, and provides them the opportunity to adjust their studying and level of commitment. I try to meet with students, esp. those that are below 70%, at 4 & 8 wks into the course to get an idea of what is going on in their lives, how to help them improve their study habits, identify learning problems, etc. I try to encourage them, set them up for tutoring, get them to commit to more study time, and in joining a study group. I have them write out a plan and sign it, that way they own it…..Hope it works-this is my first year of teaching, so I’m learning lots too!
I think it's important for students to know where they stand. I give them a slip of paper to keep up with the grades for tests and quizzes and the percentages for each. Of course they don't utilize this sslip of colored paper so I still meet with them about 2 weeks before mid term grades so they aren't shocked. I have so many "A" students and they wnat to know where they are.
Hi Simon:
And, it gives the student the chance to make changes in study habits that might result in more successful outcomes for them.
Regards, Barry
