Maria Estela,
Right, and hopefully the grading system is accurately aligned with objectives that measure learning. Some instructors will use quiz and test material that have little to do with learning and understanding. Sometimes a project will earn points but not contribute to learning. The worst case is extra credit, which typically gives points but student learning has changed little, in most cases.
Barry Westling
It is very important for the students to know where they stand in the course because there are courses that requires full understanding of the basics. It is difficult to procede further to a higher level of knowledge or skills if the previous learned lessons were not clearly understood.
Rae Lynne,
All good measures to help maintain a positive setting for learning. Respect and trust have to be earned and one method that contributes to achieving these important sentiments is by connecting with, interacting with, communicating with students. And sharing grade information is one great way to convey their efforts are recognized and that we are willing to assist them with suggestions, advice, support, and encouragement. And without timely feedback, it's possible too much time may lapse before effective intervention can occur.
Barry Westling
Joe,
Absolutely! Without feedback on suggestions for improvement, students would have no idea how close to our goals and their progress towards their hopes for achievement in the course.
Barry Westling
Honestly, I personally find it a level of respect for the students to constantly know their stance in the course. I expect their homework, projects, reading, and participation to be ready every class session or I "punish" them by deducting points. Therefore, I mentor the same level of expectations for myself by having their items graded before the next class period and available on our online grading system. I also return their graded items with notes/feedback at the beginning of the class. If it is a rather large assignment I also discuss the overall outcome, learning outcomes, etc. to give the assignment due "credit" and feedback I feel the students need for future applications/assignments within the course. Also, if a student is not performing well, it is VERY important for them to know this and the instructor as well so proper advising and follow-up measures can be arranged to give the student time to improve their performance.
It is important for the students to know how they are progressing in the course. This helps them gauge their progress and allows student and instructor to discuss ways to improve in the course.
Tracy,
Sounds like a good plan. My college uses electronic grading, so students can view their performance as it exists right up to the moment. But even so, I think 3-4 personal chats with each student over the term (20-weeks) can still be helpful, as it conveys I am wanting to offer my assistance to their success. I also use a "personal performance improvement plan", a written plan by the student that from their perspective defines what is contributing to their performance and they will need to do to make improvements. This PPIP attempts to hold the student accountable by their own assessment and commitment.
Barry Westling
I choose to give out midterm grades to my students to give them a sense of where they stand with their grade. This can have a positive affect on students who are doing well to give them the reassurance they need to stay on course. For students that are in danger of failing the course, they are given the chance to step it up and do better in the second half of the course. If absences have been a problem for the student with poor performance, midterm status can be just the reality check they need to motivate them to come to class.
Jeffrey,
Yes, and I believe they want as well as deserve to know their status, progress, areas needing improvement, and suggestions to assist their performance. I think if we can also add caring, supportive comments, that is received as encouragement, and helps build trust and mutual respect.
Barry Westling
Kathleen,
Ah, and it's so satisfying to be able to share accomplishments and achievement with students. But even with less than wonderful performance data, we can still convey we care, are sincere about the students success, and demonstrate we are willing to help them make improvements.
Barry Westling
Students need feedback as often as possible so that are aware of their strenghts and weaknesses. This gives them some sense of pride and accomplishement to see how they are doing and if they need to revisit a particular topic.
Wayne,
Right! Sharing performance is nearly as important as the instruction itself. It provides needed guidence and direction, and also provides an opportunity to personalize our connection with students, and the ability to offer encouragement, demonstrating that we care about our students successfulness.
Barry Westling
Students need to know how they are doing in their course. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and spurrs them on to successfully complete the program. I remember the impact that getting a good grade had on a program that I was attending. I felt so good about the grade that I went on to do very well in the program. I am sure that it is the same with the students that I teach.
Shannon,
Yes, in part, we can determine our effectiveness, especially if many students are doing poorly or worse than expected. But good or bad, students appreciate, want, and need to know where they are so that early intervention can occur.
Barry Westling
Brittany,
I try to meet with each student, in person, in part to establish a rapport and also to layout my expectations for the student. I want to convey a sense of respect and trust from these meetings. From there, if a student begins to fail to communicate I have a better reference point to base my support and encouragement, which is really all I have to "make" a student follow my guidelines.
Barry Westling
It is important to allow students to know where their strengths and weaknesses are in learning process. In addition it helps instructor know if their methods are effective
It's very important students know where they stand..
However what do you do when a student misses a ton of class, emails you but doesn't email back, and tells you to call them rather than try to set up a time to meet up?
To me it feels like I am failing the student for their inability to fully communicate with me... Any tips or tricks to make this situation not happen?
Elmer,
Great. Providing honest course status information in a sincere, caring manner usually achieves the purpose of informing students where they're at in the course and also conveying we are interested in their success.
Barry Westling
I find that returning tests and papers promptly, and rewarding success publicly and immediately can go a long way. Both positive and negative comments influence motivation, but research consistently indicates that students are more affected by positive feedback and success. If a student's performance is weak, let the student know that you believe he or she can improve and succeed over time.
Michael,
Right. As students progress in time, they need to know their progress made, advice for improvements, and Kudo's for a job well done. I believe the sooner this done, the better response and outcomes can be expected.
Barry Westling
