As in all things, feedback is necessary. Confidence, self-esteem, etc. all increase with positive feedback. Student activity requires feedback. The more and the more often the better the dtudent will feel and know about their progress. Dealyed feedback can hurt students by allowing to get into a situation where there is no recovery possible.
Hi Tim:
I like to try to plann face to face time with students as often as possible. This allows me to also encourage and lend support while I'm giving advice for improvement. I think this conveys "the teacher cares", and helps build trusting relationships.
I like to begin this process early on so there is time available to make improvements. I prefer not to offer extra credit, and students know that from the beginning. Missed or poor performing assignments may mean the student has missed essential learning. I cannot reward that by offering EC.It may help raise the grade but rarely helps in the learning process.
Regards, Barry
The students can use the information as a progress report and determine where they need improvement and if it will be necessary to start taking advantage of extra-credit assignments.
Hi Kimberly:
Right! And by sharing stutus learly on, and regulary communicating progress, students will have a running idea of where more study may be needed and perhaps encouraged by their improved progress.
Regards, Barry
Hi Henry:
Most students appreciate their teacher taking time to share student status. If we are caring, showing concern for the students success, while giving advice and suggestions for improvement, students will recognize our efforts and possibly give more respect and trust in the teacher.
Regards, Barry
Hi Cynthia:
Great! When the teacher takes time (in or out of class) to personalize their student discussions, they reinforce the relationship, which helps build trust and respect. When we convey we care, that sometimes motivates students to try harder.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sandy:
I agree. And students generally want to know how they've done as soon as possible. Also, we can "encourage while we comment" when we share student status.
Regards, Barry
Hi Howard:
Good deal! Electronic grading is super and I think it is enhances when coupled with personalized, one-on-one visits with the teacher. This helps build trusting relationships with students.
Regards, Barry
Hi Thomas:
Nice discussion. I think the grading of skill testing versus critical thinking or testing based on theory are different, but in either case, informing students early on so there is enough time to make improvements is important. Peer comparisons are good, as is one very key assessment: by us, their teacher. As experts, we should be able to spot areas that may need improvement quickly, and then convey that information immediately.
Regards, Barry
I think one reason could be for evaluations on how they will perform in a real world situation. In tactile courses , an honest assessment of their abilities as far as strengths and weaknesses will help them know where improvements must be made. Of course they need and want to know how they are performing according to the class standards , but I think it's also important for them to know how they stack up agains what will be their peers.
Hi Lori:
Good points. I think doing this early on, and as regular as possible is better than a just a mid-term only visit. Sharing information that conveys we care about the student helps build relationships too.
Regards, Barry
Hi George:
Indeed - and by allowing the student a chance to see where they stand as soon as possible, they may make changes in study habits that will promote a successful outcome.
Regards, Barry
Hi Isaac:
There are many ways to do this. Some institutions have gone to an electronic gradebook. Or, some instructors make sure to give quick feedback to give the student a chance to think about their answers.
Regards, Barry
Hi Freddie:
In fact, many organizations are moving towards electronic grade books the students can access at any time to promote the very thing you mention.
Regards, Barry
Informing students of status in your course is crucial. It lets the students know that their study methods are working or perhaps they need to focus more, join a study group or find a tutor. It shows them what areas they are excelling in and what areas they need to improve.
Hi Fran:
Sharing perfomance data and recording via documentation is good. We also use the time to offer supporting, caring encouragement if a student is doing poorly.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kurt:
Great sentiments! For me, like you, I think using the time to share information to offer encouragement and support while giving grade information and advice. When students feel supported, that conveys a sense the teacher cares.
Regards, Barry
Students want to know how they are doing in the course at all times because that is their measure of how well they are learning. They work hard and it is stressful to not know their standing in the class. Status can also serve as a motivation. If a student is not doing well, they need to know so they can improve their effort and results. If a student is doing well, it is a pat on the back that helps them continue their good work.
Kurt
So that they cannot come back and say they didn't know if they fail. If they are aware, it is possible they were work harder for a better grade or else they may get tutoring.
Informing students of their status in the course is showing respect for the student. I think is is important to post grades at the same frequency as the required due date of assignment. For example, if I require assignments to be turn in on a daily basis, then it is my responsibility to grade on a daily basis; in other words, lead by example.
All of this information should be listed in the addendum for the class.
