Students identify with grades
I'm continually fascinated with how students can identify personally with the grades they earn. Their self esteem can soar with an A and plummet with a C. I try to stress that the grade is a reflection (with bias!) of their performance that one event, and NOT a reflection of their value as a person.
Hi Gary,
Key point but one that is often not received by some students. A grade on a test or project is the "end of the world" if it isn't at a level they thought they would receive. Talking them "off the ledge" is a part of what we do so they can see that they are going to do well in the course if they will continue their effort and not dwell on the snapshot solely.
Gary
Great point! A grade is a snapshot in time of their performance on that task. Helping students see this as a piece of the pie and not the end all be all is important as an instructor.
I completely agree, although it is sometimes difficult to convince students of this. It needs to be reinforced regularly and encouragement provided (as appropriate) to help the students understand this.
Grades reflect students' knowledge of a subject at a certain point in time, not their worth as individuals.
Hi Tanya,
Good strategy to spread out the assessments among different input methods. This way students have a chance to play to their strengths. I like to use the demonstration and skill sharing methods when I am assessing students due to the very reasons you listed in your forum comments.
Gary
I agree that students personally identify with their grades. Since students do not always test well or excel at particular types of testing techniques, I find it particularly important to not only include different types of assignments within the course but also ensure that there are different types of testing methods, such as the traditional essay or short answer/multiple choice (aka multiple guess), but also presentations, demonstration of skills, and one on one discussion tests. I would be interested in finding out other types of techniques that instructors use to help accommodate not only the field the student will enter but also the learning needs of the student.
Hi Marina,
The idea of discussing with students their grade status and how they can improve on the grade is a good strategy. It sends two messages. One, that you care about their success and two, that they have options available to them if they want to put forth the effort.
Gary
Depending on the course and its learning objectives, grades can have either a positive or negative effect. I try and always discuss in detail with each student how they are being assessed so they will have the tools to change a grade they're not happy with. Extra Credit work also can be a great motivator.
Hi Anthony,
Good way to continually build the students up. Grades are subjective at best even though we try hard to make them objective. It is a moment in time that we are assessing when we test. If students understand this then it is much easier to motivate for the next time they will be tested.
Gary
