In order to them to know how they can improve.
I find many of my students really want to know where they stand regarding grades. For the most part, students want to be successful and are more concerned with how high their grades are as opposed to if they are going to fail or not. In the case of the latter student, I try to get to the student before they come to me. If the instructor waits, it maybe too late for them to pull their grades up and pass the course.
Yes the student should know at all times so they are not shocked at the end of the course.
Because they are curious to know where they stand. If they are succeeding, then they can continue their strategy. If they are struggling, then they need to change their gameplan, ideally with the help of the instructor.
Most students are very grade conscious, and work hard to do as well as they can in class. A reward for doing well is a good grade, and that should come as soon as possible after the work is completed. Those not interested in the class want to know their grade to make sure they are doing just enough to avoid failing, and they deserve the same courtesy of knowing where they stand.
This is something that I personally need to do a better job of. I have to start weaning away from a subjective grading system and use rubrics so the students are better prepared to understand their grades. Keeping them informed lets them know where they are and where they could be when they are finished. Surprise is not a good tool to use when grading, but as long as the guidelines have been set, there shouldn't be any surprises.
So that they can make changes in their actions if necessary.
I meet with my students individually prior to posting the mid-term grades. I review their scores on tests, quizzes, participation and class assignments. They are often surprised and make major changes after the review. They always express appreciation for the time.
Many of my students have decided what grade they are shooting for and if they are aware of theirgrade status at all times,then they are able to stay on top of their progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Students like to know how they are doing for several reasons. I have had students use their GPA as a "cushion" if they want to "slack". I have had students use their GPA as a motivator to score higher.
You need to keep students informed of their status so that they know how well they are doing in the course. If they know that they are performing below expectations, they will have time to reconsider their level of effort or commitment to their education. It is much better to do this than dump a final grade on them that they did not expect.
I feel it is important to keep studetns informed of their grades so that htey know what they have to achieve, where they stand and what they need to accomplish by the end to achieve their desired grade. I also feel that it takes away some of the anxiety when dealing with grades for the students. I have certain students that will not sleep if they are concerned about their grades.
I find that students want to be engaged in discussion and they especially want to know how they are doing in a class. Telling them at only the mid-term and final of the class how they are doing does not allow them to improve thier score or add extra effort if they need to.
Hi Kay:
Electronic grading systems are great, aren't they?
One thing I would add is these systems can't replace the effect of caring, kind words or encouragement and support by a teacher wanting to see their students attain succssful results in class. It doesn't take much to do this, and student appreciate the sensitivity of te instructor, which contributes to respect and perhaps increased effort by the student.
Regards, Barry
I feel that this is critical to having successful students. Also maintaining an open door policy, if the student ever wanted to know where they stand, I am more that happy to tell them.
Hi Mary:
I like that idea of shared responsibility. I think your comments are valuable. Also, I think when we inform students about their academic progress, that's a great time to bolster their self confidence. We can encourage, offer support, and give advice in a caring and helpful manner. Most students appreciate these subtle comments, regardless of how they happen to be performing.
Regards, Barry
My school has an online grading system that is great. STudents know how they stand in a course immediately. I always grade the next day after a test or assignment also if a student is failing I Email them with a cc to their advisor.
Keeping a student informed of their status helps both the instructor and the student to take an active role in the students success. The student can make changes in their study approach and the instructor can evaluate the students progress before the next graded event.
Hi Althea:
Yes, they have a right, and we have a responsibility to share, impart, encorage, support, and assist in getting the students to achieve their best.
Regards, Barry
Hi Christina:
I find more frequent status updates are beneficial, especially since electronic grading provides virtually instantaeous results of graded assignments. I like to encourage, give praise and recognition, and make helpful suggestions that save time and help clarify what I'm looking for in subsequent assignments. Students usually look forward to discussing their status with me because I think they feel good about me caring about their success.
Regards, Barry
The students have a right to know their status at all times to assist them if they are not doing as well as they like, it will help them put more time in their coursework, in order to improve upon their grade.
