Our program recently went from a 3 week module to a six week term and the grades are now calculated on a point system weekly - I find the adult students really "fret" about their progress and the more they can have a pulse on their own progress the happier they are. Afterall they pay a lot of money for these vocational courses and can expect timely progress.
Antonio,
I just believe that as instructors we have a dual role. One is to teach and develop the skills and knowledge required for their careers. The other is to inform our students of their progress towards this tremendous objective.
Barry Westling
It is the student's responsibility to keep informed of all rules, status, regulations, and procedures required for graduate studies. Graduate program regulations will not be waived or exceptions granted because students plead ignorance of the regulations or claim failure of the adviser to keep them informed
Tina,
Yes, students need to know their status. If we expect progress from them then regular and frequent progress reports are also needed. And I think personalizing them is better than looking at the information on a computer screen or on a sheet of paper without the ability to discuss.
Barry Westling
I keep my students informed so they have time to change their grade and also so it give the student and I time to sit down and discuss if they are having problems and how to resolve them. And for the student that is doing great helps keep them focused and confident!
Allison,
This is a good system to follow, especially if there is a discussion period planned for students who need attention from the instructor about needed improvements, adjustments, or changes in study habits. The "personal touch" can have a lot more significance than mere passing out numbers on a piece of paper or computer screen.
Barry Westling
Stephen Dable,
Getting grades, and grading information shared with students should be a priority. Students count on the information, and if any changes are needed, getting grade information sooner will give more time to make needed corrections.
Barry Westling
Keeping students informed of the status of their grades will aid both the instructor and student revise the individualized plan of success in the course. In larger classes of 40+, it is not always possible to handout course grades every week of the course. However, I believe it is important to give out status reports in the third, sixth and ninth weeks of a twelve week course so that the students are constantly aware of their workload for success. Additionally, if the student is having difficulty in the course then it gives the instructor a chance to discuss additional resources, identify learning difficulties or give accommodations as necessary.
Students want to know where they stand in a class. I try to have student's tests, projects and assignments graded and posted by the end of the day. Having a student portal available is great in keeping students posted on their progress.
Thomas,
Kind words of support are always a welcomed treat. And it doesn't really take much extra effort to do. Students need direction to be successful, and sharing grade information is one of the ways to achieve that.
Barry Westling
I agree, test anxiety is a huge issue in the courses I teach. Most of my students haven't taken a test in over 20 yrs. Keeping the student informed not only helps them gauge their performance in class, but helps me identify any individual needs of the student.
Cheryl,
Without directions, students may flounder. It's important that direction is given, reference to past work, and suggestions for future assignments so that a satisfactory outcome is attained.
Barry Westling
Dorothy,
Yeah, students like to be validated for their work. So good communications with encouragement, suggestions, and advice can induce a student just a bit harder in some cases because they see their performance can be improved (with the accompanying grades to show for it).
Barry Westling
It is important for students to be informed of their progress so that they are aware of the areas where they are experiencing problems. The students can seek tutoring or extra credit if needed.
I agree it is a way to keep students informed on whether or not they are meeting their objectives, but I also think that it helps motivate them. If a student knows they are a few points from an "A" this may motivate them to study a little harder.
Thomas,
It's often interewsting to hear a students perspective abou their class performance when discussing grades and course status. The students viewpoint and instructor expectations can be similar or quite different. I like to spend personal time as I can give advice, suggestions, and also personalize my relationship by conveying my willingness to help them in all ways possible, including "tough love" type direction, along with encouragement and support.
Barry Westling
Informing students of their grades serves a dual purpose. First of all, students understand their standing in the course and areas needed for improvement. It can provide motivation and/or encouragement for future participation and achievement. Secondly, student performance can make the instructor aware of any deficiency in the delivery of material. Poor performance may suggest that difficult concepts are not properly explained, or that the media selected for presentation is not proper for the course material.
Jessica,
Yeah, the old "too little too late" is not a good position to be in. Current and frequent are the way I try to keep my students informed. I like to personalize with them whenever possible, and this provides a great opportunity.
Barry Westling
Keeping students informed at all times makes sure that they don't fall behind. If you don't keep up to date grades a student won't know if they are in danger of failing.
Carol,
Right, I think confirming a students status allows us an opportunity to share what could be changed or improved upon. Of course, by being kind and patient, and offering our suggestions and encouragement can help reinforce trust and respect by the student to their instructor.
Barry Westling
