Students have the right to know if they are meeting the course objectives. Often suggestions can be provided to the student such as adequate prep time, quite time, study groups, etc.,)
Karen,
More frequent discussions about grades and performance, along with a diligence to try to get graded work returned to students ought to be chief among our many duties. Good instructors will find their students appreciate the efforts towards helping students, and that can also help build trust and respect between student and instructor.
Barry Westling
It is very important to keep the student informed of their status in the course. It is an indicator if the student will need any extra help with the course material and also gives the instructor the opportunity to sit with the student and help them early in the course to see if there are any problems with study habits or work habits that may be interfering with their ability to be able to excel in the classroom. Students also need to know how they are progressing throughout the course. They study very hard for their exams and it is important that they receive the feedback of how well they did on the exam.
Angela,
It's really a simple thing, students do better when they know their status and we can intervene to offer our ideas and suggestions. Although not literally true, an old saying goes, "If the student hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught".
Barry Westling
It is important for students to evaluate how they are doing,and also for them to know it is important for the Instructor to know,so that help can be given where necessary.This can be done in a variety of ways such as with quizzes,games,and testing.
Kim,
I believe getting a graded material back to students, discussed a reviewed (if needed). Students chat among themselves and I want there to be consistency in the information I want students to retain.
Barry Westling
Philip,
Yeah, there's nothing like knowing how one is doing well to take off some of the heat (stress) of class and striving to learn. That's why I like to communicate status and grades in person in order to offer support and encouragement. My students can always check their grades electronically. But this is just information. I like to bring their achievements to life whenever possible.
Barry Westling
So that the student can track their progress, and to maintain transparency of the course grading procedures.
In enables students to set realistic goals for themselves throughout the course. I also helps relieve stress so that the student can concentrate on the course itself.
Annette,
In the students mind, grades, points and performance status is magnified (sometimes more than it should be). Being sensitive to the students perception and in an attempt to keep anxiety low, making time to keep class grades and status up to date and respond quickly to questions can make a difference in respect for the instructor and reinforce the students self-esteem.
Barry Westling
While I am very good at keeping their grades up to date, I see how not doing this affects my students. They often compliment me on the fact that they know where they stand in the class, in real time. I also hear their frustrations with other instructors who do not keep their grades up to date, they don't know how they are doing in the class. This is very discouraging to them.
Eunice,
Right. Getting work returned promptly is courteous and can help more needy students identify where additional work is needed before moving too far ahead.
Barry Westling
It is important that students are aware of their current status so they know whether they are meeting the goals of the course. Keeping grades current also helps to catch the students who may be starting to fall behind or struggling with a particular part of the course. This is why it is important to grade and return tests and assignments in a timely manner-it helps both the student and the instructor keep track of the student's status.
Billy,
I like to share grade and performance informance frequently to students. Part of it is so the student knows where they stand. Another part is being able to provide my suggestions and advice about how they do better, or at least share my support and encouragement. I feel this can go a long ways to seeing actual improvement (if needed).
Barry Westling
It makes sure that there are no surprises about their grades, and it also helps them correct any mistakes that they might have done.
Christine,
Great. I think most students are nearly always able to do the required work with at least minimal understanding. It's usually some "back side of their life" event that may be interfering with thier progress (work, money, childcare, transportation, spousal, illness, etc.). Sharing helpful stategies to assist students with life events shows we care and also may offer a more rational (non-emotional) approach to resolving or approaching personal situations.
Barry Westling
I like my students to know where they stand at all times. If they get behind or don't understand something then I like them to know what they can do to get back on track. I also like to make sure that I know where everyone is and if someone starts to fall behind I can spend some extra time with that student and get them understanding whatever is lacking.
Antonio,
I like to add a personal visit so I can determine why assignments might be late, missing, or done incorrectly. Some assignments are routine and very basic, while others require original thought and application. Tests and quizzes are there to assess learning, so sharing advice, suggestions, and conveying interest in the students success help contribute to the students feeling that I care and am there for their benefit. Emails can convey information but lack tone, inflection and emphasis, and sometimes, students respond better to personal interaction with their instructor.
Barry Westling
I have noticed that when I keep the student informed they tend to make sure all the work is turned in. There are very few students that will weekly ask me their status, but I make it a point to send out an email telling the individual students what I am missing.
Some might find this a bit like babysitting, but when it comes to the final week, they have no excuse, the grade is what it is. They knew all along they were not turning it in.
David,
Yeah, waiting until the last minute to share failing grade information is a bummer for all, as there really is little that can be done by that time. We need to be able to intervene while there's still time for the student to make corrections.
Barry Westling
