Billie,
Good deal! The more frequent and personal we can make our discuussions with students, the more they will appreciate we have their interest at heart.
Barry Westling
I keep students informed of their current grades after each Chapter Test. Students do not like surprises. I am required to give Midterm and Final Progress Reports to each student. I have had no complaints with this status system.
Kisha,
One latent benefit is one on one time spent with the student. I give information and advice, but also encourage, listen, and lend support, if applicable. I want to convey "I care about your successfulness". Sharing grade information is a perfect opportunity to strengthen the student/teacher relationship.
Barry Westling
Keeping the students informed allows for no surprises when it comes time to have a formal discussion regarding progress. It is also a way of reinforcing the goals and objectives for the unit and where students are strong or may need to change up there approach to the assignments to achieve and maintain the desired grade.
Yevette,
Yes, without some feedback, how the heck is the student expected to make modifications, work harder on areas that need emphasis, or get more help with select assignments? We can also use the time to encourage, give support, and convey that we care about their successfulness.
Barry Westling
So they can make necessary adjustments in their study habits
Karen,
Electronic grading provides an effective way to share information quickly and be current. I think discussing status in addition to the formal meetings is inportant, because when student see their teacher taking a personal interest in their learning, they will be more attentive, focused, respectful, and appreciative of the effort their teacher puts into the class.
Barry Westling
With all our grading on the student portal, students are always aware on how they are doing in the class. But instructors must be diligent in posting the grades with-in 24 hours of the assignment due date. Students are all given a mid-term grade and have a face to face with the instructor, regarding an "improvement" plan, if necessary.
Nancy,
You've made a good point, and I think this describes how responsible students ought to use the information gained from a discussion with their teacher. If it were personal finances, it'd make perfect sense to prioritize. So it is with time and effort in oplanning valuable study time.
Barry Westling
George, That is another important reason why instructors should be able to inform students of their grades / progress at all times. Students might not know that they need assistance, and when they are informed that their grade is not as high as they want, then they realize they need to pursue extra help. However, I provide a spreadsheet for them to record and track their own progress, so they really should know at anytime what their grades are. Still, this does not alleviate my responsibility to track progress and counsel students who are doing poorly. Thanks for the suggestion, Nancy
It is important to keep students informed of their progress in the course at all times because they have a right to know how they are doing. Often, students will have to prioritize their life, including the courses they are enrolled in. They will need to ration their study time with other life responsibilities. If they are feeling comfortable with the material and know they have a strong grade in the class, they might choose to devote more study time and energy to a class in which their grade is not as high or they are less comfortable with the material. It is only fair that students know their grades at all times, so they can make informed decisions.
Margaret,
Good old fashioned "sit and chat" is great! Many teachers don't do this for the obvious reason the extra time it takes. Others may not because it never occured to them this would be a valuable way to assist students in their learning. Any time we can spend quality, personalized time is terrific. As a group good, but personalized is best in my opinion.
Barry Westling
Jodi,
Reviewing as soon as possible after exam is good because it clears up misunderstandings right away, and helps reinforce correct information. Visiting in person lets us convey we care and want to help the students achieve successfulness.
Barry Westling
I like to sit with my students after I grade their tests, as I really want to know if they are understanding the material that is being given to them. Some students do not do aswell as others so I always want to be available to the students to answers any Questions or concerns thay have. I make myself available during break time ar after class so as not to interupt the next day of class.
Margaret Clarke
I like to let my students know there status at all times. I review with my students the information they are missing or not understanding after an exam. If there is something I need to see them improve on i let them know, so when we to an end of a module there is no surprise.
Donte,
When we spend (valuable) time sharing course progress, it gives an opportunity to share grade status but also to encourage, support, listen, and convey that we care about the students learning and successfulness in the course.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep a student informed on how they are doing in the course for the sake of letting them know how they are doing overall. Students need to remain on task and stay on top of the readings and by keeping them informed gives them a stance on areas that they are lacking, may need to adjust, to are just not working.
Jody,
One of the best ways we can develop positive reslationships is through early on, frequent, and regular sharing of grade status. This time is valuable in that we can also offer support and encouargement, and convey we care about the student successfulness.
Barry Westling
It shows them where they are at certain times throughout the course. It also lets me know what students may need tutoring or help in specific ares that we need to address.
Heather,
Agreed. I think it's hard for students to have to wait to get feedback, whether its a quiz or a final exam. Pretty much students want feeback on anything graded or that can impact their grade. So I say early on, regualrly, and frequently should be the rulke in regards to giving feedback.
Barry Westling
