Janette,
Great! As instructors, we wear different hats. One of those is as advisor or counselor, one who shares where weaknesses exist, where exemplary work is recognized, and where an instructor can offer support, encouragement, and advice.
Barry Westling
Everyone wants a "status check" on their progress, most especially students. Since our courses are 20-day modules, students receive their mid-course grade on the 10th day. This way, they know where they stand and what they need to do to receive an A.
I believe keeping students informed throughout the course helps the student know that their efforts are being noted. It especially helps the students who are in danger of getting lower grades and explain to them how they can improve to avoid failing.
Jan,
And besides accountability, knowing their status provides a sense of direction for what emphasis is needed and in what areas. Also, sharing information gives the instructyor an opportunity to offer assistance and encouragement.
Barry Westling
By informing the students their status in the course, we are allowing them the opportunity to evasluate what they have learned so far in the course. Adult learners invest their time and money in taking these courses, they will appreciate the information on where they stand with the course so that can make necessary changes or strategies to put in more time in the areas that they need to work on. It will in turn make them accountable for their own progress in the course.
Christopher,
Feedback is communication, and good communication dispels misinformation.
Barry Westling
Cynthia,
Students need direction. Sharing grade information helps steer them in the best direction for optimal results.
Barry Westling
I agree, Cecilia. Not only do they need and want to know, I think it motivates them to keep up the good work.
Simply so they know if they are getting it right. Knowing their standing tells them where - or where not - to direct their studying efforts. If assessments confirm they comprehend the material then they can put that behind them in confidence and work on other areas they are lacking in.
I had a professor score a paper 95%. It took me a year to actually get it back to find out why I got dinged 5%. In the year it took to get it back, I had to write five more papers for five other courses, not knowing if I was incorrectly using APA format (6th edition). When I had this professor in another class, he brought the paper, crossed out the 95, wrote 100 and handed it to me. There was nothing wrong with the paper in the first place. He was just lazy.
It is important to inform students of status of course because gives them an idea of what they to concentrate on and strive for.
Michael,
Sometimes sharing or confirming grade or class performance in personal can help student better understand, and usually, this helps build trust and respect between instructor and students.
Barry Westling
John,
We all want feed back in our lives. I try to give information (good or less than wonderful) with a positive spin, always to inspire with hope for success (or improvement).
Barry Westling
I hold students accountable for knowing their grades using our portal system. I then ask them if they fully understand why their grades are what they are.
If your students are not aware of their progress that will not stay engaged in their studies.
Michael,
Right, the more frequent the better. And of course, early on and consistently discussed will help students get back on course the best way.
Barry Westling
It is extreamly important to have your grades up to date so students know exactly where they stand. Summiting grades in chunks can take an A to a C quickly. You will always end up haveing to talk to the student as to how that happened
Terrell,
Another aspect of sharing course status can give an idea to the instructor about their teaching style, effectiveness, and areas they might need to place additional emphasis.
Barry Westling
It is very important to keep students infomed of their grade as the term progresses. This allows for students to see if they are mastering the content or if they need to put additional effort into comprehending the material. My syllabus is broken down into two-week learning units. I call each student over to my desk at the completion of each learning unit to allow them to see their progress. We discuss what they should keep doing and changes that need to be made to improve the student's grade.
VALERIE,
We want student's to achieve their best, and we are the ones who can best guide students with advice, suggestions, and recognition for good or exemplary work. This helps build trust and mutual respect too.
Barry Westling
It is important for them to know where they stand, as it provides them with the opportunity to work towards improving their grade.
