Some students need to know their status to stay in the program. Some get financial support that is performance based; so poor performance may mean a drop or even loss of that support. Knowing how one is doing helps student determine if additional effort or resources will be required for the successful completion of the course.
Melissa,
Right! Frequent sharing of progress does identify weaker areas, and gives us opportunity to encourage good performance. Giving our support and advice conveys we care about student success, and students usually appreciate that kind of contact, which also helps build trust and respect.
Barry Westling
Students should be informed of the status in the course throughout the course. They will be able to determine their strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a plan to exceed.
Molly,
Great! The other thing, at least for me, is I get to chat with students to give advice and suggestions, and to offer my support and encouragement. I think this adds to building trust and respect as well.
Barry Westling
Kari,
This is a great method to keep students informed and is frequent enough to allow correction so that improvement in the students grade will occur.
Barry Westling
I firmly believe that keeping a student aware of their grade, you will not have students faily courses. I do my electronically and keep them up. This gives them an understanding of what they need to do for the rest of the course.
Students should receive a weekly progress report that contains a clear picture on how they are doing.
James,
Great! I think even with near-instant grade posting, it's helpful to have chats with students about their performance. I find this helps creates trust and respect between instructor and student.
Barry Westling
Their status is not just an issue of fairness it also creates accountability on their part for their performance. It also of course creates accountability on my part to get the information input! We use Engrade which allows for instant and continual awareness.
Allen,
Getting students to feel comfortable with a class can involve many techniques and activities, least among them is reassurance from the instructor about their status and encouragement to the student they have their instructors support, suggestions and advice, and the sense that their instructor cares about their success.
Barry Westling
I have found that one of the biggest stressors for students is not knowing where they stand grade wise in class. I teach classes that are 2 days in length and classes that are 3 weeks in length so I generally try to get a pulse of the class as to when they would like an update and I always work to accomodate requests for grade updates. In order to do this, I need to be prompt grading homework, quizzes, and exams so that my feedback is up to date and accurate.
Alan,
I agree. I think informantion and communication dispel confusion and misunderstanding Chatting with students about their status gives us an opportunity to give suggestions, offer assistance, and convey encouragement and support for all the work they're doing that is good, along with areas that may need improvement.
Barry Westling
To me this is not opnly important so they can assess how they are doing but also to help reduce stress and anxiety. In the negative of this issue it helps a student realize they need more effort, extra credit, etc. to pass.
Jamie,
Right! I think sooner and more frequent is always better. Most people are anxious to know how they are performing, and students are no different. I believe each contact we have with students results in stronger relationships, and these contribute to better student/instructor interaction.
Barry Westling
Ruby,
Yes, and another benefit is this gives us additional opportunity to have a connection with the student, to praise them, make recommendations, suggestions, or advice. We can also encourage and offer support. To me, this helps us "be real" and conveys I care about the students success.
Barry Westling
So they know how they are doing and if help is needed early on rather than waiting until the end when it is too late. I had all tests and quizes back the next day so the students know where they stand and what needs to be studied for next time.
I agree with you, as well. Teaching the more seasoned students, they are very serious about making good grades. They will pester you to death if you don't provide them with "instant results". When I was a student, I wanted to know quickly because I didn't want to move on unless I was sure I had given it 100% of myself at that point.
Thanks
I keep my students informed of their status/grades at all times. They have access to their grades online. When a student is not doing well in class, they are able to see that right away and the student and myself will work together and find a solution(s.
David,
Wow, very thorough! Your students must surely see the effort you put in to let them know of their progress. They are fortunate.
Barry Westling
I like to hand out a progress report before and after the quiz
