Hi Karen:
A couple of keys I emphasize is:
* Fequent interaction (electronic or in person)
* Always be positive and offer suggestions and advice to improve the grade
* Use every opportunity to encourage and support
* Be willing to listen, even if there is not a concrete answer
* To the degree that's reasonable, be natural, personalable, and approachable
* Be willing to discuss personal (non-class related) topics if the student is willing to share
Basically, we want to convey we care and we're there to help them be successful.
Regards, Barry
Hi Bobbi:
In online, it is essential that information be kept up to date due to the mnature of students viewing information at various times. If not already part of the class plan, I would try to post an announcement, group email, individual email, live chat session, discussion post every day - something that implies "I'm here, I'm listening, I'm ready and available to help you!"
Regards, Barry
It is important to continually inform students of where they are so that it isn't a surprise. Some students may think they are doing fine and the next thing they know is they are barely passing. It gives the student the opportunity to keep up the good work or an advantage to work harder if they were having issues.
I think this reallys helps inexperienced students who need to learn to study,etc. Being able to track their progress helps them find "solid ground" as they develop their own styles of study,test taking and completion of homework. The growth they experience as they move thru the course gives them more confidence in their ability to tackle the next level of courses in their academic study.
We owe it to students to let them know what the status is in our courses as often as we can. In our school this means keeping our online grading system up to date. Not being responsive to this need is providing poor customer service to the students.
Bobbi Bricker
Hi Louis:
Good. When students realize you care, they're going to give you the same level of respect and effort in return (most of the time). Part of our job is offering encouragement and good advice for successfulness.
Regards, Barry
On the first day of class, I notify students that if they need to know where they stand, I am more than happy to sit down with them and show them what work they have been doing and what work they need to make up. Students are very receptive to this style and appreciate my honesty.
I think it is very important to also state to the students that they are on track as well. This gives them a fresh and clear perspective on the next task at hand that they need to accomplish.
~Louis
Hi Vinita:
Yes, if student's are not aware of their progress, they are not going to have an opportunity to improve. I think frequent evaluations go a long way to reinforcing the student-teacher evaluations.
Regards, Barry
It lets the students know how they are doing in the course. It gives them an opportunity to improve if so needed.
Hi Marshall:
You've made a good point. Good students will be motivated to try harder when they see where their status is. The frequency of sharing is inportant too. Even if we just visit, that helps strengthen the relationship. The student will be more open to suggestions and advice when they feel comfortable with their teacher.
Regards, Barry
Hi Timothy:
Yes, this is a very important component of students succeeding in a course. Besides academic progress (grades, points, etc), we can also help by giving suggestions and advice, clarifying, and commenting to assure instructor expectations.
We can also offer encouragement, reassurance, and just be a caring individual to help instill trust and reinforce the connection (relationship) between the the student and teacher.
Regards, Barry
Hi Susan:
You're right, we sure want to be fair.
I see two opportunities in frequent keeping students informed. We can provide points and grades to date, and offer suggestions or assistance if needed, or even clarify misunderstandings to help students achieve instructor expectations.
We can also use this time to be a little caring and friendly, offering encouragement, support, essentially conveying we are interested in their success. Students will appreciate the time and effort this takes.
Regards, Barry
This is an easy one. It's the reason they're there. If you fail to keep students abreast of their progress (or, sorry, "status") they have no way of knowing their grades. Students need to be aware -- constantly -- of assessment.
Performance evaluation is, simply, a necessary component of education. Unless you go to UC Santa Cruz.
Hi Nicholas:
True. Also, sometimes students will have misunderstandings of the grading process, or need clarification regarding instructor expectations. This is a perfect time for the teacher to assist the student, as well as offer encouragement, advice, or suggestions for improving their grades.
Regards, Barry
By keeping students informormed of the progress it can help them see which areas of the learning my need more attention.
I think it is important to keep student sinformed of their status in a course at all times because then they are more accepting if they do not do well because they have been warned this might happen. It also gives them a chance to do whatever necessary to improve or seek help. It is only fair.
By informing the student of their performance on a consistant basis we are keeping them aware of how, if or how they not meeting the course objectives. I have found the more informed the students are about their performnce the harder they will work.
Hi Gregg:
Good perspective, Gregg. We need to inform as frequently as is reasonable or necessary. We can also use that time to encourage, offer advice and suggestions, and clarify expectations to assure the students are claer on how to earn the best grades possible.
Regards, Barry
Hi Dixie:
Your personalized approach is noteworthy. I do something simliar, and I believe it helps me connect with the student better, therefore creating more open lines of communication with myself and my students.
Regards, Barry
Hi Luis:
Good plan, Luis. We can also offer suggestions, advice, or clarify expectations to assit students achieve their highest grades.
Regards, Barry
