By seeing an example of the work up front they will have an idea of what the course is about. You also are showing the product level you are expecting from them usually at the minimum.
It is helpful to show students examples of the work to be done because it can serve as motivation, it can provides ideas, it gives them something to look forward to and set the pace, it provides direction, it establishes a real life example for them to follow and it shows that you as a teacher are trying to assist in their success.
This is one of the most motivation avalible for our students
I think it is important for students to see examples of what they are about to complete so they see the goal they need to reach and to see what I am expecting for an A grade. It helps take the mystry out of learning.
It is important to go over an example so that you can clarify for the students, any questions asked on the assignment, how the answers should be formatted, and explain any additional research or source material that may be needed to complete assignment
Good point Gina I completely agree.
They can see what other studnets have accomplished and it allows them to have ideas of what they will be doing.
Shows that they are interest in what they are learning
Most students coming in to this class have not done any work in this field before so letting them see an example of a past students or my work will let them know it can be done with a litle effort on their part and a little or a lot of help on my part. Letting them see the finished product of their future efforts will pay off for them.
Well the students need to have an idea of what is expected from them.
When I explain the requirements for final projects, I always show examples of past work. This helps students understand what I am looking for, and it builds excitement. The past projects are pretty impressive, and I want current students to know that they are capable of doing great work too! We have also created posters of "A" projects and have them on display in the lab. The students often use them as reference when working on their projects.
The use of examples can give the students an idea of the level of detail that is required in the submission of project work or group work. The use of students examples can also relate the content of the course to the assignment and give the student ideas of minimal standards and suggested areas of improvement that may be applied to the example to score better.
It also provides them with a glimpse into the future. what they can expect.
They will see the kind of work they will be doing. Students will also see the quality of work they are expected to achieve. This certainly previews work for the student. These examples will also reduce student anxiety about the course.
Hi Nancy,
You're right! Visual seems to be the trick! Students tend to get it when they can see it.
Patricia
Hi Susan,
I like to use various examples as well, especially grade wise, such as an A, B, C, D, and F example.
Patricia
Some students are visual learners and by showing examples it helps them gain an true understanding of what is expected of them.
IT GIVES THEM AN OUTLINE OF WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THEM THRU THE COARSE
It gives them an idea of what is expected in the course. I usually pull out several different examples so that they can see how different students approached the assignment. We will then review the expectations of the project on the syllabus. Showing examples also leads well into discussing a time line for finishing the project and why you don't want to procrastinate
Hi Susan,
Students are definitely encouraged by being shown examples. Things seem to be a lot clearer to students after being shown an example.
Patricia
