Building Confidence
I teach computer classes, and some of the non-IT students are tremendous fear.
In the applications class, I found that if I grade one assignment each day, not only can I give fast feedback, I can build student confidence.
Near the end of the class period each day, I grade one assignment for all students by having them pull it up on their screen, and I go around the room, grading it. I tell each student whether they did a good job, or whether something is a little out of place, etc. I don't tell them their grade on the assignment.
I immediately enter their grades into my gradebook and post them to a secure website where they can sign in and look at their scores.
This seems to help a lot b/c they know what their grades are at all times, and they know whether they are doing their work correctly.
I will have to try this. With the IT class, it's hard to motivate when there is really strict book by book, line by line instruction.
Thanks for the tip!
Heather
When I was a graduate student I wanted immediate response on my grades. I would email my fellow classmates to find out if they had received a response. It was nice when an instructor had a set schedule or system in place. The expectations took some of the anxioty out of the equation. Glad you came up with a system that works for everyone.
Ofe
Hi Heather,
I think this is a very good way to reduce some of the stress on non-IT students. Your personal approach helps to set them at ease in addition they know where they are at in the course at all times.
Gary
