Jonathan,
Most of time, instructional units build on each other, so if a student lags behind or is not understanding current material, they may have difficulty with new information. Taking time to keep a pulse on where students are at, and providing feedback is among the essential roles good instructors will perform to assist their student's achieve the best outcomes.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep a student informed of their status in a course so the student knows where they stand throughout the course. If a student is having difficulty keeping up with the class content, arrangements can be made to alleviate this problem before it becomes a critical issue.
Sue,
Right. Students want and need guidance. Sharing grade and point information throughout the course, along with helpful suggestions conveys to the students their instructor cares about their learning and successfulness in the course.
Barry Westling
Kimberly,
Sharing pertinent grade and performance data is vital to providing guidance to students, with recognition of great work, and suggestions for additional work or study may be needed.
Barry Westling
It gives the student an opportunity to see what their current grade is and re evaluate if they can truly afford to miss an upcoming class that they may have opted to skip. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment and incentive to continue to do well when they can see that their grade online at anytime and this is where it is important to update grades or points on a daily basis.
Students should have an accurate account of their performance and feedback on skills lacking.
David,
Right. Good instructors understand that correction for lower performance can take time to make-up for. Also, most students need direction that comes from their instructor.
Barry Westling
To help them stay focused in the course, to be aware when a student is performing poorly so that actions can be taking to remedy the situation.
Sean,
Good instructor's do want to keep a pulse on who is doing well and poorly. I believe personal interaction with students works best to help establish rapport, build trust, and earn respect. In doing so, students will be more apt to accept my suggestions.
Barry Westling
Students should be advised of their progress throughouot the course to keep them motivated to learn. Additionally, keeping them apprised of their status allows the instructor to see where extra help might be needed.
Dyana,
I prefer to discuss grade and performance status in person with each student, and frequently. I'm saying that is an easy chore given thebtimebit requires, but I believe my connection, advice, suggestions, support and encouragement helps build trust and in turn, respect. Online grade information that offers anytime viewing is good too. But that static information can be made more helpful when accompanied with something personal from their instructor (at least periodically).
Barry Westling
Students should always be aware of where they are in the course. They should know as soon as possible so they can make changes to increase the amount of study or remain doing what it is that works for them. Keeping track of student grades on websites such as www.engrade.com allows students to frequently check their grades and they can also email you through that site.
Diane,
There's nothing like the feeling that the instructor understands a students difficulty and is willing to offer advice and assistance that shows they care. This also builds trust and respect.
Barry Westling
I agree. I think that is very important, and I found that to be true in own experience.
Ali,
Even a little constructive feedback can create multiples in terms of understanding, and perhaps mastery of the subject matter. Keep-Stop-Start is a great place to narrow down to where student achievement can be optimalized.
Barry Westling
Diane,
Feedback is so important, as it helps provide direction, or bring students closer to our goals for them. Kind words of support along with suggestions for improvement can produce inhanced performance, and perhaps increased levels of respect and trust.
Barry Westling
It is extremely important for students to be informed of their status in the course at all times. It helps them to ensure they are understanding the course curriculum along the way. I find that when they are given feedback that they are right on track, they usually perform even better. When they are struggling and are given the feedback, it gives them the opportunity to see that they need to spend more time understanding the concepts. I like using the Keep, Stop, Start method when coaching the students for optimal results.
Students like to know how they are doing in a course so it is important to keep them informed so they will know what they need to do to improve in the course.
Shanika,
Right. Also, more lead time gives a better chance and opportunity for correction, if needed. Most students are appreciative of instructors who get their graded assignments returned promptly. It comes across as a demonstration of respect for the students time and effort.
Barry Westling
If a student does not know where they stand in a course, they do not know what areas they need to work on. Handing assignments back in a timely manner allows time for students to improve on their weaknesses.
