Veneece,
Yes, and unless there is a meaningful plan for ongoing discussion regarding progress, students may drift off in a non-productive direction. We need to be able to steer them back on course, give advice and suggestions, and in some cases, be the voice of reality to get students to see what they need to do to be successful.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep the students informed of their academic process so that they understand what they need to change about their studying habits or what should stay .For students who are at a good grade level , this will be motivating and encouraging for them .For struggling students , this will help them improve their studying skills.
Nicole,
Electronic is wonderful, instantaneous information. I still think it's important to have personal 1-on-1 discussions as often as possible, as that helps build a trusting relationship, and may contribute to better respect for each other.
Barry Westling
It is so important to keep students informed of their status in a course at all times. This keeps the stduents on track and allows them the opportunity to go to the instructor for extra help or tutoring if it is necessary. I use an electronic grade book that each student has access to to view their own grades. This keeps them informed up to the minute.
Shayan,
Great sentiments, and I believe that sharing performance staus is as integral to the successful completion of a course as is the delivery and presentation of course content. Students need direction and sometimes some on-course correction can make the difference between success or less than optimal results in a class. I also believe personal discussions are more beneficial than electronic or written documentation.
Barry Westling
Feedback to students serves as a means of communicating to students about their performance and potential for further success. It is also a source of motivation to students for continued learning and improvement; and a way to organize lessons where successful transition brings closure to the course. Additionally, feedback provides students assessment on their own learning, clarifying for them what they understand, what they don’t understand, and where they can improve. Moreover, feedback provides instructors with information that can inform future teaching decisions.
Chelsea,
This sounds good. I also think students do not perform to their optimal level because they don't understand just a few key components. By discussion with them, we can point out where attention is needed and provide explanation to assure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations.
Barry Westling
Jacalynn,
When I meet with students, I want them them to feel I am supporting them and am willing to offer assistance in any way I can. This helps encourage them and gives hope for successful outcomes.
Barry Westling
So they are aware of efforts and participation required to meet course goals and progress forward with career path and make self adjustments accordingly.
When students know their status in all of their courses, they learn how much effort to apply to each course to assure that they are successful. It also helps them understand their own learning stregnths and weaknesses.
Cecilia,
You're right....it is important to the students. We need to convey to students that their progress is important to us. Therefore, regular, early on, and frequent sharing of information (or providing electronic access) along with our advice and suggestions are effective ways for students to receive direction towards success in the class.
Barry Westling
Students are much more engaged with courses when they understand their status in the course. It is important for them to understand when they are successful with assessments and learning activities.
Gary,
Sure. Understanding how a grade at a certain point in time is derived can help reduce the anxiety just by knowledge. Accurate information, conveyed with sincerity and kindness, can do much to provide an avenue to guide towards improvement or achievement of personal goals.
Barry Westling
Naomi,
Good points. I like to use the time to provide information about their grade status, and also convey my sincere desire to help them to be successful. I can give advice, suggestions, support and encoureagement. I think this builds trust and respect as well.
Barry Westling
Students like to know where they stand on their grades whether to know if they are passing or to be the top in their class. Grades present a sort of concrete structure something tangible. If you just tell them they are passing or failing you as an instructor are creating stress, stress they do not need. Grade when broke down can also help inform both the instructor and the student know hwere they can improve.
it is important because it gives the student of how and what they are learning and so they can assess themselves to achieve and excel in the career path they have chosen. If they are not doing well imnforming the students of their statues could help them to know what they can do to improve. Everyone needs encouragment and good motivation to achieve excellence. Thus informing a student of his/her status is very important.
Bev,
Students should appreciate the diligence you give to getting their scores returned promptly. It subtly demonstrates their grades and exams are as important to you as it is to them.
Barry Westling
I think students are very aware of their grade in my class. I grade all tests and quizzes immediately. They are aware of their grades at the time the test is taken. I do think it is a good practice, I just try to approach it by giving them their scores immediately.
Herman (Lonnie),
So true. Some students these days have so much chaos going on in the backside of their lives, getting all the support and encouragement from their instructors provides the only structure and organized plan for their successfulness, both in school and in their personal lives. Keeping them informed may give them the needed boost they need.
Barry Westling
Some students need to know daily as to their status. With work or other outside distractions students today find it difficult to control their situations and therefore need re-assurance in regard to school.
