I always pass out graded work and also ask them to review the grade book each week.
This is important so that they are not blindsided at the end and each grade is verified to justify the grade. I use Engrade.com. It is fantastic.
Tatiana,
Quite true. It's been said that 90% of the students should be receiving 90% of the material, 90% of the time. Now, I think someone just liked using the number "90", but there is truth in the axiom, that most students should be grasping most of the material (to what percentage will always be a variable).
Barry Westling
It is very important. We can have a few reason for that.
1. Nobody likes to looks bad. So, if student have the idea how he or she performing the course, the student is able to change attitude, strategy, study habits or anything else that have to be change in the order to get the better grade.
2. The instructor is able to see his performance too. If 50% or more students are not successful. Something is wrong. Instructor have to evaluate the situation and change the speed, delivery methods or something else.
Carlos,
Students can decide wherte to put their focus when their instructor provides regular updates as to status.
Barry Westling
It's will help the students know of their progress and how and where they stand as far as the class goes.
Steve,
Sure, if instructors can identify lower performing students early on, those students will have a better chance of making necessary corrections as the course progresses. Also, poor study habits or suggestions for where and what to focus on that come from the instructor can be a strong influence to achieve better student outcomes.
Barry Westling
Arthur,
In a sense, if instruction follows a well written syllabus, and student learning is being measured regularly, there would never be "a surprise". But the reality is students do benefit from knowing their status, receiving advice and suggestions from their instructor, and discussed with care and encouragement.
Barry Westling
The students need to know how they are preforming and to catch problems earily
I think it is very important to inform a student were they stand in the course. That way there is no surprises.
Linda,
Sure, like most people, when we know our status, how our performance is measuring up, and what suggested improvements are needed, we are more inclined to take the instructors advice and work towards successfulness in the course. Without such information the student is more likely to flounder and miss out on the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.
Barry Westling
I agree with this theory because students stay motivated when they are aware of "Where they stand" during the course.
Kellie,
Electronic grading is good, but personal discussion is still valuable and allows the instructor to point out areas for improvement.
Barry Westling
I use an online grading book and I think its a tremendous tool for students to know exactly where they are the entire semester
Hayvelises,
Frequent and regular discussion with students is the best way to convey progress and assist students by giving advice and suggestions for improvement, if needed.
Barry Westling
This topic is very important bacause the student know better its weaKNESS, also how there progressing in class.
Jennifer,
Great. That discussion part is probably the most important. Electronic grading is valuable in that students can view their status most any time. But it is missing the interaction, support, and advice from the instructor, and I think providing that in person (perhaps with a brief written summary) is better than just viewing grade information passively.
Barry Westling
Janet,
If the course is like a journey, then regular progress reports are needed to convey how close to their destination they are.
Barry Westling
Kelly,
This is a hoped for outcome, and probably in many cases it is. Some students will acknowledge their poorer performance but not change anything with their study habits, weaker areas, or topics they need to improve on. I will sometimes have the student fill out a short form that holds them accountable for what they plan to do to improve a grade. This is done to force accountability and self-motivation.
Barry Westling
Christine,
I believe the status and progress report is as important as the course material we are presenting. It gives both instructor and student a look at how close to learning the required material has occurred.
Barry Westling
