Hi Adam,
Boy, when students can look at themselves objectively, they are rising above barriers that would normally limit some from a fuller learning experience.
Barry Westling
I try to help them to be able to be self critical so they can gain objectivity and improve even more
Hi Amina,
Great! You're right, whatever we can do to make the student feel good about their learning experiences will be beneficial!
Barry Westling
Barry, I think this is the best way to keep our student informed about everything and anything,
an informed customer is the best customer, will surely not cause trouble later.
I actually grade assignments/tests etc the same day so that I could review with them the next day,this way the material is reviewed before I start the next topic, the student is aware of his/her status and if needed can be helped out before the end of the course,when it is already too late.
Hi Alissa,
Yes. When students know their status, they can choose to respond to the information - at least they are being given the chance to respond. I think if we aslo encourage and offer support, the student may realize we care, and choose to try to improve their performance. Also, I think giving updates frequently is a great way to optimize the student learning opportunities.
Barry Westling
Hi Kathy,
Good. One way to avoid problems is by continuously checking for understanding, even frequently during a delivery session. In doing so, we get instant feedback about whether the students are up to speed. And if not, then we can review before we proceed.
Barry Westling
Hi Kevin,
When students are knowledgeable about their performance, they're being given an opportunity to respond: work harder, study more, do nothing, or slack off. It's up to them from then on. But frequent updates should prevent slacking off.
Barry Westling
I think you are dead on with this. Going to school as an adult is tough enough, I want students to know where they stand in my class.
The student s need to be made aware right away when an instructor notices they are struggling with certain subjects within the course. Addressing these issues ealy on, gives the student the reasonable time to bring up their skills or get the help they need in that subject matter. It would be unfair to let the student continue to not work at the expected level without trying to give them a chance to fix it or get help.
It is important so that the student can work on specific areas of concern and see the results of their labor.
Hi Kristina:
Many institutions use electronic gradebooks that allow the student to access their grade anytime they want.
Having this kind of system might aid the instructor for that student who needs to know their grade every moment of the day because they are the "self-competitive" type you describe.
Regards, Barry
Hi Yuliya:
Very true - it's important students feel safe in the learning environment. As instructors, we can promote this by letting the students know what to expect, including how and when review of examinations will be handled.
Regards, Barry
Hi Leuquiten:
Very true, in fact a lot if institutions are moving to some kind of electronic grading system that the student can access via the internet.
Regards, Barry
Regina,
You've made some good points. I think students are rarely surprised by their performance, especially when poorer status is present. Nonetheless, frequent and early intervention to get students back on track is important, and whenever we can add our support, encouragement and honest advice, students will feel like we have their interests in mind.
Barry Westling
I think the purpose is twofold: first each student can check his or her perceived performance with the instructor's evaluation of their performance each week; secondly, the reason for low scores in the class can be pinpointed to the missed quizzes, assignments and homework that the student may have not taken seriously initially.
Charlotte,
Keeping students informed is very inportant to creating a good rapprt anhd relationship with students too. When we take time to gently and with thoughtful care explain where a student is in their studies and how they can improve, that demonstrates to the students the teacher does care about their success.
Barry Westling
I have found that students do better when they stay current with their progress. They can be a little difficult to deal with if they have anxiety over their scores. I have found they are more conscientious of what they need to accomplish though.
Bruce,
Great. Comments from tteachers are valuable and powerful. We need to remember we are role models and some students (not all) take what we have to say very seriously. Almost like a reassuring parent.
Regards, Barry
Therese,
For me, taking just a little personal time to give praise, encouragement, or acknowledge improved performance is a helpful way to keep students informed of how the teacher feels about their performance which for many, is much for powerful than the letter grade or points.
Regards, Barry
Miriam,
Great. This valuable time can the turning point to success. Students can also choose to disregard the advice and end up with no progress. But I believe the more personalized we make our time with the students, better student outcomes will improve.
Regards, Barry
