Robert,
Yeah, it's important to discuss grades early on and frequently enough so that there is time to make adjustments and or improvements in the study methods, testings, or wherever the lower scores are pointing to.
Barry Westling
Ken,
Of course I keep grade information between myself and the student. However, if they choose to share information with each other, that's up to them. Mainly sharing grade and performance information gives a plan for where the student is and where (and what) improvement might be needed.
Barry Westling
I think it's very important to keep your grade book up to date. For many students, if they think they're doing ok but have not turned in any work, they'll continue to just cruise through the course without much concern. Then, all off a sudden the end of the semesters comes and it's a huge surprise to them that their grade has suffered. It can lead to a lot of wasted time and drama. If you have your grade book current, you can easily see if a student has been slacking and address the issue before it becomes a huge problem. For those who are concerned about their grades, it helps keep them motivated to keeping that 'A' or driving them to study harder for the next exam to improve their grade.
So the students know and the instructor where everyone stands in the fullfill or the courses objectives. That if found out in time, the outcome can possible be altered with results that were agreed upon at the start of the course.
Encouragement and slight peer pressure through competing between themselves. Without knowing how they are doing during the course, the students will foster a "lost in the woods" feeling. The friendly competition will occur by human nature between friends in the class.
Gabriel,
Exactly. This also gives us a chance to offer our suggestions, advice, and assistance.
Barry Westling
Nelson ,
Yes, the need for information regarding performance is sort of like a map - how will students know how close to their destination they are without some sort of feedback that shows them where they are in their journey? And, I agree we convey concern and interest when we share information, sprinkled with support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
So they know how they are progressing,and focus on what they need to study or practice more.
because they want to know where the stand at all times. it also shows areas were the student may be needing some help. grading exams and projects on time and keeping the grade book up to date are clear signs of respect to the student. they also have the right to know where they are regarding the course at all times. you can also encourage the student by making him/her aware of their current situation (grade) and showing that you care about their performance in class.
Algevis,
Yes, knowing where one stands is the first step in making an improvement. I like to be close and personalize my discussions with students. I feel this helps me build trust and respect.
Barry Westling
This is important to the students know how much work they need to put in the class and see how much they are learning not only getting a passing grade.
Jenny,
Three times sounds like a good frequency. Whenever possible I try to personalize sharing grade and performance information because I belive my tone, inflection, and sincerity can be better conveyed, and I think students appreciate my genuine interest in their successfulness and my suggestions for improvement, if needed.
Barry Westling
My students get progress reports 3 times in the semester before their final grade. It not only helps them know where they stand in my class but helps me to stay on top of which students need extrra help.
Curt,
Yes, and when students feel their instructor is giving helpful advice and suggestions, that also helps build trust and respect between students and instructor.
Barry Westling
All students want and need to know that they are successful in your class .keeping them informed lets them concentrate on new material rather than worrying if the are doing alright .It also will let the student who needs extra help know so that they can get it.
Melissa,
Right.No one wants or likes (academic) surprises. I think there are many methods but the best methods are the ones that both inform, provide guidence and encourage. When these thre are coupled together, the student is better prepared to take on the remainder of their class assignments with knowledge and confidence about what they need to do.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep students informed of their status at all times so that they feel good for the work they have completed or are aware if they need to step it up. Suprises at the end of the term are just not acceptable.
Lindsey,
Sharing status is like a 20-point check-up of the car. We can share grades, but also recommendations for improvement that can include advice, suggestions, analysis of what's working and what's not, and also just offering our care and conveying we are concerned for the students successfulness - these can create inspired moments that trigger students to be motivated to do better.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep students informed of their status in the course at all times because it helps the student know how well or how poorly they are doing. Students may not be aware of all the points they earn from each class session. They may beat themselves up thinking they are doing worse than they actually are. This can cause them to be distracted and not perform as well as they could on exams or projects. If a student knows they are doing very well they can make adjustments to their study schedule if they need to spend more time on a subject that is more difficult for them. But if the student learns they are not doing as well as they thought they were, they can take the necessary steps to improve their study habits and their grade.
Eleanor,
Right, and when students feel their instructor is helping them by giving assistance, suggestions, advice, along with the necessary grade and performance data, that care and concern for the students well being works to build trust, respect, and often, better student outcomes. Support and encouragement go a long ways ways towards students taking the instructor information seriously.
Barry Westling
