Randy,
Adult learners want (and deserve) to know their status in class. Especially in institutions where the student is paying a hefty price for their education, it is only natural the instructor should participate in conveying student status. This is sound educational practice and appropriate customer service.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep students informed on there status in class to let them know if they are in danger of failing or on the other hand to let the students know that there studing and effort are bringing them a good grade.
Davina,
I thinks as much as providing the best instruction, a good instructor will manage to find time to share grade and performance status to students. Like a road map to a destination, sharing class performance states where the student is in comparison to where we want them to arrive when the course completes. If we do this with sincerity, frequently, and early on, students will benefit and appreciate the effeort and time, and perhaps reinforce trust and respect for the instructor.
Barry Westling
It is very important to inform students how they are doing in a class. At any given point, the student should know what their status is. It should not come as a surprise to the student if they fail a course or if they get an "A" in the course. This goes along with communication with the student. It builds rapport and trust between the instructor and the student which can be invaluable if the student is struggling or if the student has an emergency.
Tamikah,
I agree (but use the "B" as a threshold for intervention). I also try to base the "B" work on tests and quizzes, not the overall grade because that often has softer assignments mixed in and may not be truly effective of the level of knowledge the student acquired. Frequent and early on discussions work best for me, as I want tiome to offer my support and encouragement, along providing enough time for corrections or improvement to make an impact on their grade.
Barry Westling
It's very important to keep them informed of their grades in the course. I usally let my students know if you they recieve a "C" or below they need to see me. It also keeps the students informed on their progress in the course.
It also let me know where I need to focus more in the class as far discussion and concepts.
Marco,
We sure want to do all we can to avoid having a student drop out! I think adult learners want to know their status and of course, that can only help them do better by knowing any areas that need improvement in, or hopefully do even better.
Barry Westling
They can know where they excel and where they need to improve so they can do better as they go forth in their coursework. This is important as folks who do not get this may end up quitting.
Michael,
Well, for sure they need and deserve to know their status if we expect them to make corrections, improve, or make outstanding progress.
Barry Westling
Students go nuts when they dont know where they stand in a course.
Michael
Jon,
Right, no surprises. And when a learner knows where thy stand, they can make better choices about how to make needed improvements or continued progress.
Barry Westling
By keeping students up to date, they are not "surprised" at the end of the class when they get their grade. It can also be a motivator to do better if they had done poorly on a previous test or exam.
Paulette,
Sadly, that's true (blame game). Some students are quick to point to all the other people and reasons why they were less than successful rather than point their fingers at themselves (the real culprit). I think adult learners especially want (and deserve) to have current grade information provided or available in order for them to make the needed adjustments, or at least be open to suggestions for improvement. Then, it's up to them to follow through.
Barry Westling
It is very important to inform a student about their grades,so they can make the effort to become more serious or make the necessary effort to meet the required criteria of the course. It will also save the instructor from defending a negative grade that the student knows about. They will deny the fact and play the blame game.
David,
I think you are doing a wonderful job of keeping your students informed, given all the communication you provide in the short time period available. Your students should appreciate the effort you provide to keep them informed.
Barry Westling
I keep my students informed on their progress and grades using a report generated from our electronic grade book. This report lets them know their test scores, lab scores, and attendance. Our courses are three weeks in length and I will show them their progress at the end of the first week, middle to end of the second week, and at least twice during the third (final) week. This way the students know how they are doing, we can discuss any missed assignments, and discrepancies on grades or attendance. Their grades are their grades and they need to be kept informed on their progress.
Julia,
I also think adult learners want to know their status so there are no surprises. Frequent and regular status updates may encourage some students, while others will use the information to make needed improvements, as you suggest.
Barry Westling
So that if the students are doing poorly, there will be enough time to make changes in study habits or focusing on a particular problem area with some tutoring so that the grade may be improved. The learning results will also be greater.
Amy,
Great. I think motivation to well (or better) is always a good thing, and I agree that a good discussion about student status and performance can be that instrument can inspire and encourage.
Barry Westling
a student should know how they are doing for several reasons. One it can help to motivate them to continue to do well or to allow them to know if they need help.
It also allows them to be responsible for their work. If they see that they are not doing well because they are not participating in class than they can work with you as to change.
