I find students are definitely more interested when they know their status in the course. It is important for them to comprehend and understand when they're successful with the learning activities. If they don't know where they stand they can get unfocused and not get excited about future projects. If the know where they stand, they become more involved and engaged in the class as a whole.
Nicole,
You're right, and I agree a personalized chat with students is important because it helps establish rapport, trust, and gives the instructor an opportunity to offer assistance in whatever way might be relevant.
Barry Westling
At my school we use an online program that allows the student to view their current grade at all times. I still think it is important to follow that up with a midterm grade that allows the student to receive written feedback and suggestions if needed.
Jamey,
Yes, when there is accurate information shared with students regarding their performance, there is a greater opportunity for the instructor to convey suggestions, assist students, and demonstarte that we care about their success. I think students appreciate grade and course performance information be it good or bad because they will have time to make any needed changes in their study or class participation. The worst thing is to come to the end of a term and experience a descrepancy between how the student thought they were doing and the reality of their actual grades.
Barry Westling
To provide the greatest opportunity possible for student success. If my student and I both know then what is happening we can work as a team to improve the likelihood of success. I can work with the student to adjust my teaching style to better meet his/her needs. The student can make adjustments in her/his approach to the course to achieve greater comprehension and success.
Thor,
Good point. To guide students towards succesful completion requires we keep them posted where they are in their journey.
Barry Westling
Knowledge is power. The more knowledge students have of their current status the better.
This knowledge gives them the power to motivate, soak in the material, and achieve better results in the long run.
Tammy,
My mantra is "early on and frequently". I don't want students to ever (wrongly) blame me for their poor performance. I would rather receive thanks for offering assistance, giving tips, advice, and suggestions for improvement. I want students to feel we're all in it for the same reason. Sharing grade information can help, but it's still up to the student to at least do the (minimum) work needed to get a passing grade.
Barry Westling
Especially with adult students, you'd think they'd know how to keep track of their averages, but they often don't. More than once I've had someone miss a major project or exam and be stunned when they didn't pass, even though they did relatively well on other assignments. I continually remind them, and it's on their syllabus, about how much each item weighs and the importance of making up points in other areas where ever they can, especially if they missed and/or failed and assignment.
Mike,
I agree, it's not only appropriate but necessary that sharing grade information occur. And in my opinion, that should be early on, frequent and current. With current knowledge of status, students are able to make needed adjustments to study and readiness. And when done early enough, that should provide time for cor corrections to have an impact on their performance.
Barry Westling
If you do not keep the student aware of their status, you are keeping them in limbo in regards to their progress. How are they supposed to know what to work on if you are not telling them? For all they know, they have a perfect grade, when in fact, it could be the exact opposite. By keeping them up to date, you are giving them a better chance for success.
Kara,
Great! I like to meet personally whenever possible, and also frequently and early on. This establishes rapport, trust, and allows me to offer my caring suggestions if improvements are needed. I feel this adds to respect as well.
Barry Westling
Students are definitely more engaged when they are able to see where they stand academically in the course. For those students in good academic standing, this is acknowledgement of their achievements and positive reinforcement. It is also important to inform those students who are under-performing so there is no question about what they will need to do to succeed and meet the requirements for the course.
Stephanie,
Right. I also think personalizing the performance status discussion provides an opportunity to recognize good work, provide helpful suggestions, and encourage students whereever they are on the grade scale. Even with electronic grading, I believe personal time with the student is needed to help promote healthy one-on-one relationionships. These build mutual trust and respect.
Barry Westling
I believe that as an instructor it is important to keep students informed of their performance in the course. This allows students to see their progress or see what areas they need to improve upon in order to improve their performance in the course. Keeping students informed of their progress will allow the instructor and the student to discuss any difficulties the student may be having with the material. If students have access to on-line grades, encourage them to review their grades on a regular basis. Often times, instructors make errors in their grade books that will never be caught if students don't monitor their own progress as well.
Ardiana,
Right. We fulfill our role as educators when besides instruction, we complete the loop with performance assessment, and then inform students and or discuss their progress with them.
Barry Westling
I believe is important to inform students about their performance because it makes them aware of their academic progress; as well as would allow enough time for students that needs extra help.
Christie,
I think trust and respect are also possibilities when an instructor demonstrates care, interest, and offers suggestions, advice, support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
So there are no surprises! Students should be rewarded and acknowledged when it is due, as well as warned and flagged when it is necessary. Students should also have a thorough breakdown of their grading system in the course and refer to it to calculate their status as well. This promotes responsibility and diligence.
Melinda,
Right. Our instruction is a big part of the students education, but so is informing the students about their progress, suggestions for improving, and identifying where there may be weak areas. As I frequently comment, I like to also use this time to offer support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
