Its very helpful so they can have a clear understanding of the course and what is expected of them, and what it will take to pass the course.
It is always helpful to show student examples so they have a point of reference. If students have no idea what is expected of them, it is incredibly difficult for them to meet the assignment requirements sometimes. Even if they are given a rubric, it isn't always easy for students to visualize the successful completion of an assignment without some kind of reference.
It helps motivate them and provide any clarification they may have regarding the assignments. There are many times the student's anxiety can be reduced by seeing examples the instructor believes are very good assignments. It provides a benchmark for the students.
A rubric for the project that contains a grid of the criteria for an A, B, C, D, project is also valuable for students.
Showing past student examples will help strengthen the current students' projects by providing a higher sense of confidence in their performance and understanding of the assignment.
Hi Kim,
I use this method whenever I introduce the assignment. I have found that it does create excitement at the beginning, but they forget a lot of what to do when it is time. It has been more effective for my students to have an introduction when I introduce the assignment.
Patricia
I don't usually do this at the beginning of the course but I do it when I introduce a new project. It clearly puts them at ease because they have a reference point for project expectations. I like the idea of doing this at the beginning and can understand that it would create student excitment.
I think it sets the bar for them; they like to critique other student's work and feel like they can do better! My fellow instructors and I kept some excellent projects to show an incoming class and found that the overall level of participation and outcomes were better for that class.
Hi Tonya,
Visual is a good thing for students. It tends to make more and better sense if they can see it. Students get motivated by seeing examples.
Patricia
Hi Tonya,
Great question! Actually, at my institution our students create a very impressive portfoli for the job search process that incudes the following:
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference Sheet
Transcript
Immunization Records
Examples of Work
Awards
Letters of Recommendations
Students are very proud of their portfolios, and employers always comment on how impressive and professional the portfolios are.
Patricia
Hi Samuel,
Yes, it does give the students something to look forward to. Students are more eager to begin whenever an example has been shared because of knowing exactly what needs to be done.
Patricia
As an automotive instructor it is very helpfull showing former student work it gives the new students something to strive for
Hi Robert,
On point! Seeing is believing! Students gain a much better understand whenever they can see what is expected of them.
Patricia
Have you thought of suggesting students keep class portfolios of his or her best work? This will allow them to share and keep for job interviewing.
Hi Daniel,
Sometimes telling just does not work well, but if students see it, they grasp better. Students appreciate being shown examples. I have been thanked many times for being shown examples.
Patricia
Why is it helpful to show your students examples of the work they will be doing in the upcoming course?
There are a whole bunch of reasons for this, such as:
A picture is worth a thousand words, to be able to actually see what is expected, the student can get a better grasp of the big picture. It is hard to learn how to groom a horse if you have never seen one.
The example should set the example, give a clear picture of what is expected. It should also outline the standards of performance and the steps need to reach those standards.
But most of all, people cannot reach a level of expectation if they do not have a clear understanding of what the expectations are.
I believe strongly that students need to see as well as being told about it. The different learning styles students have requires more than one method of teaching.
I use peer proofreading before they hand their assignments in to me. In a writing class the students tend to work very independently. This exercise gives them the opportunity to read other people's work and have the benefit of others reading their work.
It is amazing to see the improvements they make and how they work together to help each other. I think this also improves their own writing skills; they now have a whole classroom full of examples to learn from.
I also like to show multiple examples of each. I emphasize creativity in my projects - there is not just one right way for an A to look or for a D to look.
Showing students examples of work they will be doing in the upcoming course will give them comfidence. Students can relate to an example and picture themselves completing it successfully.
