My school does not have an electronic grade-book system, so I created my own, using an Excel spreadsheet. I list each quiz/exam/assignment with a very brief description at the head of a column and record each student's scores in rows below. At several points in the quarter (half-way and at two sessions near the end), I use the data to prepare an "interim report" for each student. It includes the student's scores to date, his/her percent of points possible to date, and notes any "missing" items. It does take some additional work, but answers the "How am I doing?" question very clearly.
At our college, we give a mid-module assessment to allow the student to see where they are in the class and, if any improvement is needed, what they need to work on. This gives them ample time to get things in order and to do better in the remaining course.
Hi Carl:
It may not be fair - tht might be debatable. But it's srely aligned with quality instruction or demonstrating helping students succeed.
We all do better, at least we try, when we know where were at. For students, sharing grades, points earned, along with suggestions, advice, and recommendations convey to students the teacher cares.
We can also offer encouragement, support, and show genuine care and kindness, which will build trust and respect.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kathleen:
I believe most students want to at try to do their best and informing them where they stand can help reinforce that drive and convey areas they may need to work on.
Whether students are doing well or not, the kind and caring support we can offer in addition to the grade information can contribute a lot. Encouragement and expressing genuine interest can motivate some students who would otherwise be discouraged.
Regards,Barry
It is not fair to allow students to cruise along thinking they are doing OK, if they are not. You can intervene and show them how to get back on track to mastering the material and skills.
The students who are doing well will see that their hard work is being rewarded, and that they are getting closer to their career goals.
Carl
Hi Erale:
I think frequent breifings on status are better than less frequent. Also, offering support and encouragement through sound advice and suggestions will be welcomed. That'll show the student we care about their learning.
Regards, Barry
Hi Todd:
Yes, good. Also, this gives us an opportunity to offer encouragement and support, and kind words of advice and suggestions for improvement. Students will do better if they feel their teacher care about their learning.
Regards, Barry
Hi Chris:
Good. Relating to the work setting sets the student's expectations for the reality of work once they graduate.
Frequent performance review is terrific. Areas that need improvement can be conveyed, and it gives the teacher an opportunity to encourage and support with kind words of advice and suggestions for improvement.
Regards, Barry
It is good to have ongoing communication about the student's grade (and Grade %) because it helps those who are not performing well to make adjustments right away and constantly and to seek help while it is still possible. Also, it helps and encourages those students who are performing well to keep up with the positive performance and progress.
Students need to know where they are as far as their grades during the course. If a student is not doing well, they have the opportunity to pick up their grade and get tutoring or one on one help and hopefully pass their course. A good instructor will keep their students well informed on how they are doing during the course. The students final learning process is a reflection on how well the instructor did their job.
Marianne
Hi Daniel:
Great reasons. I think when this occurs in a friendly caring sort of way, with encouragement, support while give sincere advice and suggestions for improvement, the student will warm up to the sharing, and be more willing to apply themselves.
Regards, Barry
This is really awesome--the fact that you get right back to the students. My schedule at this time does not afford me this opportunity. But I certainly want to work toward this practice.
I really agree that students can learn more effectively if their assignments are returned wuicker--and discused as a group--if need be. (Not pointing anyone out--just going over the answes and discussing any areas that did not appear clear to the students.
In today's fast pace world everyone wants everything right away. This is also true of feedback. But what makes feedback so interesting is that it is more effective when it is returned to the student right away. I remember when I was in school and I took a math test, for example. If I didn't look at the problems I thought I missed after the test I would forget all about it. The test would get returned to me a couple of weeks later and by then I didn't even care about the problems, I just wanted to know my score.
You see it was only when I was given immediate feedback that I learned from my mistakes and the material and concepts solidified in my memory. Now as an instructor I know how important feedback is to students, perhaps more than they do. Specifically appropriate feedback.
In my classes, I like to clear my calendar on mornings after an exam or paper due date. I spend this time working on grading the assignments and writing feedback that will guide students towards what they need to improve on and give them applause on things they did well.
I like to look for gaps between what is taught and what is learned for each assignment. With quick feedback I can address these gaps after an assignment and have a positive affect on student learning.
Moreover, during formative assessments, like practice exercises and discussions, direct feedback is great for reducing or eliminating these gaps between lesson and learning.
I am sorry, I meant grade book. Any student record is subject to privacy.
By keeping students informed of the status of their grades is inportant, it lowers their stress.
Student privacy is essential, one must always be cautious and protective of their yearbook
Hi Allen:
Yes, being informed helps create steay progress or improvement.
I think we can also use this time to encorage and support while we give advice and suggestions that students find helpful, ad show we care.
Regards, Barry
Hi Alex:
Sharing status , grades, points, and updates provide information and I thing students perform bettr when informe.
We can also support, encourage and in a caring manner give advice and suggestions that demonstrate we care about their learning.
Regards, Barry
It is important to keep students informed of their status in the course at all times because the grades they receive have a major impact on their live. For example, many students may need to maintain a certain grade point average to keep up a scholarship, play sports or to continue their education in pursuit of advanced degrees. –Kathleen Toth
A student should never be surprised or feel misled. If they think they are doing well they may not work as hard to learn the material.
By informing the students of their status you can reach out to them on what they are doing right, and what they need to work on.
