Showing examples of student work for an upcoming/starting course helps the new students to set their expectations for the course projects or assignments. It also demonstrates the experience that the instructor has in the course and gives students an idea of course objectives.
Some students find a level of comfort in having a guideline. Others will venture out of their own and return individual work. Others will be looking for something to work towards, to ensure that they get full credit. In addition, professors teaching the same course can have slightly differing "expectations." As a student, I actually never had a professor who provided us an example of work, but there were many times I wish that I did. I often spent more time worry about the format of my paper or powerpoint as opposed to the content. Many times getting past the hurdle of format is very time consuming and mentally exhausting. I think providing students varied examples, when it applies, is a great idea!
Hi all,
Examples give them a target, a goal to aim for.
If we do not understand what we are to achieve, we will rarely achieve it :)
Hello Tangelia,
Your students appreciate seeing samples, especially your visual learners.
Patricia
Hi Tangelia,
At my educational institution it is policy to keep students work for at least one grading period in case there are any discrepencies.
Patricia
Hello Casey,
I fully agree. I emphasize that they can be innovative as long as they stay within guidelines.
Patricia
Hello Beverlin,
I like to show examples so that my students will have a guide. I let my students know that it is only a guide, and they can be as creative as they would like to be.
Patricia
Hi Jacqueline,
I am unable to think of a time when it isn't good to show an example. My experience with showing examples is that students love to see examples. It has always been positive.
Patricia
I believe it shows the students that one - the work can be done and secondly it isn't impossible. I always have the previous student's permission and I change their name to "Outstanding Student". Students love samples, it's like a template, a step by step instruction. But I am wondering is there ever a time when there isn't a good time to show a sample?
It is important to show students examples of the work they will be doing in an upcoming course so that they can have a guide when completing their own work. However, this may limit students with being creative with their own assignment.
Providing students with exemplary examples of student work can help them to better understand what they are being asked to do. This practice also shows them what you are looking for when evaluating their work. One problem with providing students examples of student work is that there is a tendency for students to model their work directly after the examples and thus avoid trying innovative approaches to addressing the assignment.
Hi Mia,
Seeing is believing! They get motivated, oh I can do this!
Patricia
Hi Tangelia,
Students really appreciate seeing examples. It serves as a positive measure for students. Oh, I can do this too!
Patricia
Hi Juli,
I certainly understand your stance fully. It definitely is a flip side to showing examples. I feel it is more helpful than dangerous.
Patricia
Hi Donald,
Students tend to enjoy hands on. Hands on is definitely a big confidence booster.
Patricia
Showing students how it work, letting them see it work, then having them do the task is just a way to reinforce the learning process. Hands on is the best way to help them with their confidence.
Patricia, what a great question! I have struggled to find my stance on showing example papers to my classes before their own work is due. Generally, I am against it. While I see the obvious value, which is that students will have a clearer view of the expectations of that particular assignment, I tend to focus more on the potential negatives that this practice can create. For example, some students simply take the example paper and change just enough information to avoid being charged with plagiarism (this is obviously the worst-case scenario). Other students see an "example paper" and end up being limited to just those ideas or other parameters, whereas individual perspectives and unique takes on the Assignment are what I am really looking for. I can't get much "buy-in" from students that I am truly looking for their unique perspectives in our World History class, when I show an example paper that they assume was "perfect" in my eyes.
It's a fine line to walk when deciding whether or not to show previous students' work in a future classroom...
Hi Regan,
You are on point! Showing examples of work is beneficial to everyone.
Patricia
Hi Charles,
Seeing really is believeing!
Patricia
I believe that most students have to see it done first with their own eyes
