Exactly, I dont think it would be appropriate to hold a grade until the end of the course. Students need to be kept aware of their progress in the course.
Seth,
I believe for students to achieve the level of mastery we seek, it's critical that we communicate their progress towards that objective. And students usually appreciate the one-on-one contact with their instructor.
Barry Westling
It helps them keep on a schedule and understand their progress.
Darrell,
Yes, we want to build confidence. We can do that through encouragement along with advice, support along with suggestions for improvement, and care along with course status information. When students feel their instructor cares, that alone can make a difference in student performance.
Barry Westling
When the students are inform they have confidence in there ability to learn
Matthew,
Students need direction, and sharing class information is one great way to impart our sentiments for ideas about improvement, as well as offering our support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
TO KEEP THEM ON TASK AT ALL TIMES
jason,
I like electronic grading and also feel there is no substitute for face to face discussions about progress for better effectiveness.
Barry Westling
students get frustrated when they dont know where they stand in the class. also, th egrading system helps inform them wher they need to refocus their efforts.
Karen,
What is so unfortunate is when students ;learn too late that they need a lot of improvement and there's little time to make corrections. I spend more time with my weaker students because the stronger ones seem to do OK on their own. But regular, frequent communication about status, and begun early on works the best for me.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep in contact with students so they know where they stand grade-wise in your class. This way they can prepare themselves to do better or maintain.
Pauletta,
Yes, our interest and objective is student success and achievement in the highest degree possible. Without specific and personal direction and information from their instructor, some students may begin to fall adrift. Correction and advice is needed early on so that any needed correction can occur and make a difference in the student grade.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep students informed of their status in the course because student appreciate feedback from instructors. Students want to know the area of the course they are doing well in as well as areas of the course they need improvement. It also makes the student feel that you are concerned about their success.
Timothy,
I understand exactly what you're saying. What I do is when I see a downward trend, I'll meet with the student to offer my suggestions, support, advice, and encouragement.
Barry Westling
I use an electronic grade-book as well it is helpful I have noticed to alot of my students to have instant feedback of their current grade because it helps with attendance/being on time etc. I think it also encourages "giving up" if the student is really far behind but I think there will always be something negative with the positive outcomes of instant knowledge. Plus if the student misses classes and falls behind a few weeks, they should know it will reflect poorly on their grade.
Fredrik,
Yes, and without direction, students are likely to flounder. Good or bad, students desire to know how they're doing, and what they can do to improve.
Barry Westling
Students need to be informed on their progress. It helps them know what areas they need to work on.
Tracy,
Feedback is so important. It provides direction, gets student on track, and also provides an opportunity for the instructor to give specific advice and supportive comments that suggest the instructor cares about their success.
Barry Westling
Students need to know how they are doing in a course. If they are not doing well it gives us a chance to access the situation and work on improvements. Feedback can motivate a student to work harder or continue to do well or set new challenges for themselves.
Patricia,
Some instructors put their scores in an electronic grade book (there are free, proprietary versions), or just a simple spreadsheet using Excel. In either case, an instructor is able to see at a glance where a given students status is, and can assist in identifying problem areas while there is still time to make corrections.
Barry Westling
