Hi Thomas,
When students get frequent updates on their performance, they are bound to benefit from this discussion. When coupled with encouagement and advice, and a sense that the teacher cares, that will only add to the desire to try to perm better. I think it's best early on too. so there is enough time for correction to have an impact.
Barry Westling
It is important for multiple reasons.
1. motivation and confidence if they are doing well.
2. motivation to keep up if they are falling behind.
3. In all adults the best motivation for performance is accurate and timely feedback.
Hi Donald,
Yes, I think it is totally innappropriate to conduct class without preceding it with the way, method, and components that will be included in the grading process. From that, we make periodic measurements (assessments) to determine to what degree these predetermined standards the student has achieved. This is where providing current information on status is invaluable. We can also share advice, answer questions, and show we care by offering encouragement and support. Students are likely to do better when they feel their teacher is working with them (not the enemy).
Barry Westling
Show students that the instructor cares, knows how they are progressing, and can step in when things are not going well. This virtually eliminates surprises at the end of the course which usually result in confusion, upset students, and causes the grading system to loose credibility.
Hi Michael,
Good - When a student can see what progress is needed, accurate information from their teacher is usually quite beneficial.
Barry Westling
Hi Betty,
You're completly on target!. Also, students will give more respect to their teacher if they sense they care.
Barry Westling
Hi Susana,
Most times, a student already enrolled has made a commitment to completing a class. So, giving, honest, sincere, and accurate advice about how the student can improve is usually received well, especially if done early on when there is enough time to make forward progress.
Barry Westling
Hi Lauren,
Students need and appreciate knowing their status. Improvement can only come when the students knows their standing in the class.
Barry Westling
Students need to be aware of how well they are doing in the class.
I also let students know when they are doing well in class. Everyone gets an update on their grades, not just the ones at risk of failing
this allows them to focus and understand if they need any type of tutoring and it also allows them to see if the course is really for them
It is important because students need to know where they stand in a course. They need enough time to change the grade if change be needed. By knowing their status, they can determine their problem and fix it. For instance, if their grade is low and is a lack of studying, then they know they better study for the next test so that they can improve the the grade. However, the grade may be a result of not understanding the material. If that is the case, then getting instructor help, peer help, or tutor help might be the answer.
I will usually print out progress reports after each test so the students know exactly how they are doing at all times. The students seem to appreciate the reports.
Hi Shanta,
Also reveiewing quiz and tests as soon as possible immediately following completion allows for instant clarification of why a question was missed, the correct information, and perhaps, why the choice the student made wasnot the best selection. This activity doesn't take that much extra time, and students benefit from the activity.
Barry Westling
i believe that if i give my students back all their test and quiz papers then they are aware of the greades they currently have in the class
So they can make adjustments or improvements in the time remaining to improve their grade.
Hi George,
Good! Instruction and the resulotant learning is a process. We need to measure the progress along the way. And the participants have to be included in that assessment in order to know where more attention ios needed if that's case. Also, knowledge of grades helps motivate and inspire students to do better. So timely notification is a must!
Barry Westling
Students need to know how they are doing at all times. I grade their assignment in a timely manner and enter them in their grade book so they can always see how they are doing. I also enter an zero in the grade book if the assignment is due and it isn't turned in. I take late work with reduction in grade.
Hi Adam,
Great point! If we are successful we will have achieved conveying the necessary level of knowledge in our students. individualizing instruction helps, but grades are simply a toe in the water or a snapshot in time - lots can change, especially if we comfort and care, encourage and support, give advice and suggestions. Students will appreciate and benefit from our efforts, regardless of the final "grade".
Barry Westling
I do feel students need feedback and to know their status, but sometimes students get too caught up on letter grade and less "worried" about learning.
