They have to be informed of their progress. I give the students a midterm report, which is an average based on work done, to date. That way they have an idea where they stand to make sure they are headed toward their expected goal.
It keeps them informed of their progress or lack there of. As well as keeping them focused on content and application.
It is important to maintain communication with students throughout the length of the course. By informing a student of their grade status periodically can have a positive effect, for example, if the student is not doing well, he may beging to work harder. Also, by knowing their own status, the student won't be shocked by the final grade achieved.
at our school we are required to give midterm evaluations of grades. I prefer a paper grade book, but we also use electronic Engrade. Students are very grade concious and want to know at all times how they are doing. the paper grade book seems to work well with this.
So they know how they are progressing through the course.
Hi Heidi-Jo:
I think frequent updates about grade and course status is very important. Everyone wants to know how they're doing, so this is a great opportunity to not only share grades, but offer encouragement and support, care and concern, and demonstrate to the student the teacher really cares about student success.
Regards, Barry
So students know if they need to drop or withdraw. I am realistic with my students. I think it is fair to let them know that they must score a 90% or higher on the next 5 exams if they are to pass (if that is the case). They will have more respect for you in that case as opposed to simply flunking them on a blindside at the end of the course.
It's important to keep students informed of their status at all times because it helps the student stay focused on their goals. I think if the student is wondering about their grade it makes them uneasier. There is less anxiety when students know where they stand.
It is very important to let the students know where they stand so it might be a wake up call to make them buckle down and study.
Hi Karen:
This is great. Sytudents do appreciate getting their assignments and assessment returned quickly - everyone wants to know how they did. For some classes it take extra effort to accomplish this; other times, like with essays, it's not practical for immediate turnaround of returned assignments.
The main thing is if students need improvement or corrections in their thinking, the sooner we can convey that, the more time there will be to have an effect on their learning (and grades).
Regards, Barry
When I first started teaching it took me days to grade and hand back assignments, now I grade immediately and hand items back the next day, and go over the answers and questions. Students are less anxious when tests and assignments are graded and returned ASAP. I am also not bogged down with questions regarding "Did you grade my test yet?" Yes, and no need to look for an excuse! Also, in regards to a test, if returned too late, the student may not have retained the information, so what good is a review?
Hi Patrick:
We can also use this ooportunity to encourage, offer support, advice, and suggestions for improvement. If students feel the teachers care about their learning, they may be tempted to try a little harder and impact their final grade.
Regards, Barry
Hi Anna:
Good, nobody wants surprises at the end of the course.
It's interesting that I sense some instructors challenge their students (in testing) in a way that makes it extremely difficult to earn top grades - almost like "I dare you". Don't understand.
As facilitators, we are collaborators with our students, sharing, teaching, simplifying - taking the time to attain understanding. There's an old saying 90% of your students should 90% or better. It's not scientific, but seems like a terrific goal to shoot for.
Certainly, frequent and early on encoragement and support along with advice and suggestions will assist making a difference in the final grades as there is enough time for correction.
Regards, Barry
This allows the student an opportunity to address and better their grade as the course progresses. I provide my students progress reports as we complete each unit. In this report, the student is made aware of their current standing in class as well as other performance indicators (attendance, draft submissions, etc.). If the student is constantly aware of how they are doing, they can better their grades (if for example test scores are low but lab worksheets are high), and there will be no surprises at the end of the course.
Hi Kelly:
I believe the more frequent and regular information about grades students get contributes to their on-course correction. It takes time to make corrections or admunts to mistakes made. If conveyed too late in the session, there may not be enouh time to make significant changes in the grade.
I also think we can always be supportive, offer encouragement, and genuine care for the success of the student. Giving advice and suggestions for improvement will be received better when the student feels the teacher care.
Regards, Barry
Sabrina:
We can use the the time also to encourage and offer support along with advice and suggestions. Builds trust.
Regards, Barry
Sabrina:
Early intervention and frequnet communications are helpful strategies.
Regards, Barry
I think this is a great idea, find out early what's really going on before it is too late.
It is important for the students to have a clear understanding of where they stand and if improvements need to be made. They often take ownership of their standing and can make adjustments as needed. Knowing their status will cut down on communication issues such as the student stating at the end of a term that they weren't aware they were failing.
Just as instructors must assess students to determine progress, students need to be aware of their own progress. Not only are students concerned with their grade, but by knowing how they are progressing, they can determine what they need to do to improve. When informing students of their status, making students aware of strengths and weaknesses is helpful.
