It is important to inform students of status in their courses both good and bad. To either motivate or help a student that may be struggling to options they may have available for help. Before falling behind.
April,
I agree and think the more early on and frequent we can make time to convey our expectations to students the better. Like you, I believe whether students are doing well or struggling, the importance of giving our advice and suggestions can't be emphasized too strongly. Like a journey, we need to inform students how close to the destination they are in order to make needed corrections along the way.
Barry Westling
When students are doing well it's always nice to know you are on track but when a student is struggling it is even more important. If students see where they are then they have a better idea of what they need to get the grade they want to earn.
Lisa,
Very important. Sharing grade information and general class status demonstrates to the students their instructor cares about their successfullness.
Barry Westling
Informing students of their status in a course is very important. It is a way of ensuring that they get any additional help that may be needed. If they are doing well, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and allows them to view their lives in the I can mode instead of the If I could only do this mode.
Jennifer,
This sounds great. Immediate feedback. I think adult learners want (and expect) to know their status so if improvemnts are needed they can make corrections.
Barry Westling
Each quiz or test is handed back to the students with the score they recieved on said quiz/test and the current grade in the class to that date. Students really like this because they always know where they stand.
Teresa,
Yes, areas of improvemnt, and advice on how to make improvements, and giving enough time for improvements to occur are all part of the information sharing piece.
Barry Westling
In life we need to know what is expected out of us. With our job we need to know what we do well and what we need to improve in. If you do not show students where they are how can they improve.
In that way we have better communication about their progress
Deborah,
Electronic grading does make it convenient for students to monitor their status. I think having one-on-one conferences is beneficial, even when students know their grades becuase it allows the instructor a chance to make a personal connection with the student, giving advice or encouragement, or whatever else may be needed as emerges from the discussion.
Barry Westling
Our students are constantly keeping track of their grades so they know exactly how they are doing in each class. We keep grades electronically so the students can look at their grades any time it is convenient for them. Being able to know their grade helps motivate them to do better on each successive test or project. As they get closer the next higher letter grade (ie: 88 or 89%, so close to that "A"!) they work harder to achieve it.
Terence,
Yes, and they want to know, good or bad, what can be done to make improvements. Sharing information soon enough to make corrections is vital.
Barry Westling
Students need quick feedback on their performance in classes so that they can make adjustments to their learning strategy. It can be frustrating to them when they do not know they are doing in a course.
Alana,
Yes, communication dispels confusion and uncertainty.
Barry Westling
I remember being a student, myself. If I didn't know where I stood in the class, I felt lost and discouraged. I've learned a lot from my previous instructors about teaching. I've mirrored some styles and I've also learned what not to do. Good communication is the key to success in any type of relationship, in this case, a student/teacher relationship.
Tracy,
Quite right! Just as instructors are responsible to provide the knowledge and skills in a course, I believe they have a responsibility to share staus, give advice and suggestions, and just be there to communicate kind and caring remarks that offer encouragement and hope for students. Even good students need and appreciate this quality time.
Barry Westling
Pietro,
I think it's vital students know where they stand in a class. They may have a responsibility to stay up on their performance, but I also think instructors have a responsibility to meet (regularly) with their students to give perspective, advice, and encouragement. That personal touch builds trust as well as conveys needed information.
Barry Westling
Students need to have feedback regarding the progress they are making in their own learning. This aids them in adjusting their study processess and seeking help if they need it. If feedback is not given, then the student may assume they are doing well when in reality they are not. If they are not informed of this until the end of the course, they student could fight the outcome and the school could be in jeopardy of being found to just take the students money but not offer education. Ongoing feedback is essential for all elements of a an educators role in teaching.
Tracy Chesney, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE
Quite simply, students want to know. Whether they are stretching for the A or not. The grade in the computer or on a test is something that is written. Naturally all humans work much better in an environment where their i praise or just knowing where they stand and have to do to reach their goal. For most students they have a goal when they sign up for school. Keeping them informed allows them to stay in touch with that goal and make the necessary decisions to achieve their benchmarks.
