I agree that students do get motivated if they are shown examples and then given an assignment to complete.
Showing examples of the upcomming course work,I found to be very helpful to the students. This prepares them for what is to be expected of them in the upcomming weeks,it also gives them a chance to ask questons and to get clarification on what they are not understanding,so when they do begin their course they will be well prepared.
I have used this technicque many times. It gives the students a better understanding of what a good project looks like. In the fast paced environment of many adult classes, there isn't time to have the students turn something in and then critique it, because if it is way off they don't have sufficient time to try again. Having an idea of what is expected by using examples saves them a lot of time and trouble.
I am currently in an online masters program and what I have appreciated most from online instructors is an example of work from other students. I think because I am not face to face with the instructor, communication about a project or assignment is not always clear but an example is very helpful.
I am currently in an online masters program and what I have appreciated most from online instructors is an example of work from other students. I think because I am not face to face with the instructor, communication about a project or assignment is not always clear but an example is very helpful.
A couple of reasons:
1. It demonstrates the skill being taught
2. Express what the job skill is worth in income
3. Shows evolution of skill set and translates to potential income
4. Helps set higher learning objectives for future
Hi Dennis,
I have experienced professional writers are way beyond our students scope, and our students can relate better to their peers work. Students gain clarity when examples are shared.
Patricia Scales
Students now have a general guide to expectations.
When I assign a paper topic I almost always provide sample student papers on the same topic. I of course ask permission from students if I use their work. By offering student papers I can talk about the qualities of writing that make for good writing and I can spur students to think more deeply about what they want to write about. This has proven to be a successful part of my courses and students enjoy reviewing work by students as opposed to professional writers who often seem "out of reach."
Hi Tom,
Students appreciate having examples shared. It gives them ideas, and I have had some students to take shown examples to a whole different level in an impressive way.
Patricia Scales
Hi Amina,
I like the flip side you mentioned to showcasing students work. We should be proud of our students, and if they produce quality work, it is okay to put them in the limelight some.
Patricia Scales
Offering examples of prior work enables students to gain an understanding of the standard and variety of work that has been done and therefore allows them to grow in their thinking and potentially witness new and exciting ways of thinking about their work.
by showing a previous student's work as an example to the entire class, really works as not just as a guideline as to what is expected from them but also to show that we as teachers appreciate our students hard work and show off thier great work.
when I give students an assignment, i tell them that the best one will be kept as a sample for future students.
By showing and/or giving examples the student will be able to grasp what you are talking about. An example would be the differences between a Softball, hardball and a lacrosse ball. Even though each one is a different size bodily contact by each would cause an injury.
Hi Cory,
Showing examples give great clarity, which makes for a better understand as to what is exactly expected.
Patricia Scales
It allow students to know what is expected of them and provide alternative ways for them to complete their assignments.
Students feel more comfortable when they can 'see' what is expected of them; instead of someone 'telling' them what they need to do.
I have learned that when I provide examples for my students, it alleviates questions, concerns, and nervousness.
Gives them the expected requirements for the course
Showing the students examples of the work they will be doing in the class is good for engagement. It will give students a heads up for what is to come and also get them thinking about what they will need to complete to successfully pass the course. It is also useful to show the students examples so that they know what you are expected of them. In other words, it will serve as a model.
I always remove students' names from their work samples before sharing them. Is this also something you are doing?
Let me add that it is also important, when practical, to show a variety of student work examples. Often times there is more than one correct way to meet an assessment standard, and many students benefit from seeing many different examples. This way, they do not feel tied into only one method of demonstrating mastery.
Showing student work examples helps tap into different learning styles. Many students cannot effectly comprehend the desired result of an assignment just by simply reading the instructions. They need to see a physical example.
