I want each student to know where they are in the course progression. At a certain point in the timeline of the course they should be at this point in their knowledge of the course material.
Todd,
Right. They want and need guidance and direction. Sooner than later is an appreciated gesture by most students, even if the information is less than wonderful.
Barry Westling
Student are usually very interested in how they are doing. Most are wondering if they need to put out extra effort in trying to do the assignments and how you are grading them. Getting scores to them in a timely maner also shows that you are interested in their progress as well.
Dona,
I like to make grade sharing a personal interaction to help build trust, credibility, and respect. Giving advice along with support and encouragement helps reinforce that we care, and that everyone is one the same page.
Barry Westling
Keeping your students apprised of how they are doing throughout the couse will keep them interested in the final outcome (their grade). It also could be a way to encourage those who tend to skip assignments or classes to be more attentive to the effect this will have on their grade.
Manuela,
Feedback from the instructor is needed if students expect to know where they stand in the class, what improvements are needed, any advice the instructor can provide, and of course support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
They need to be aware of how well (or not well) they are doing. This way they can seek help before it is too late. It also helps me because I can specifically speak to a student about their grades and offer help. This in turn helps them.
Gordon,
Yeah, it's like driving to an unfamiliar destination without a map and hoping that arrival will occur on time and at the correct location. Feedback provides guidance, direction, understanding, and also offers a great opportunity to support and encourage students.
Barry Westling
Information is what teaching is ALL about. That includes grades. Knowing where the student stands in the class throughout the entire class can help avoid situations where improvement and/or extra help are needed early on. Waiting until the end does the student no good.
Kellie,
Right, sharing grade information is nearly as important as the content information itself. Students need feedback for the maximum degree of progress to occur. And making it personal adds more than than passing out printed information (or electronic grading).
Barry Westling
If students dont know how they are doing, they will fall through theyll never know what they can work on for improvement
Michael,
Most everyone wants to know their status in a class. Electronic grading helps, but there is nothing like the reassurance that can be provided by a caring instructor who can give support along with advice, in a interpersonal discussion.
Barry Westling
lets them now how they are progressing in the course and lets me know how my I may need to focus more attention to.
Angela,
Electronic grading has definitely improved access to grades. Still, the interpersonal "touch" given by sharing grade and advice by a caring, kind, and interested instructor goes a long ways to building morale, trust, and credibility.
Barry Westling
Makes them accountable. I use Engrade and I keep it up to date. This allows the student the ability to check their grade at any time. Allowing them to be proactive instead of reactive
Terry,
Yes, and most of the time, when an instructor takes time to personally discuss the student's status, that creates a better working relationship, and suggests that the instructor cares about the students success. Kind words, spoken with sincerity always go a long way towards healthy and positive student perceptions of credibility.
Barry Westling
Formative evaluation such as feedbacks are important to keep student informed of their process. It is a great opportunity for instructors to discuss and provide individual attention regarding any discrepancies in grades.
Lilia,
Yes, and I really believe students can excel when they feel empowered and confident. Reaching that level doesn't happen without assistance from the instructor. And sharing grade information is a wonderful way to encourage, support, and give creative advice that reassures students they possess the wherewithal to be successful.
Barry Westling
The students like to know how they are doing after every evaluation. It brings them confidence that they are understanding the content of the class. I try to give a weekly progress report to each student.
Brian,
I agree, the sharing of class and grade information provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate we are supportive, and this helps create an enhanced relationship with each student. Of course this carries over to the the classroom setting wherein students are likely more comfortable spending and interacting with their instructor.
Barry Westling
