I think follow ups on assignments are important but to a certain extent. As a college instructor You can only hold students hands so much.
Several years ago I had an aha moment that changed my view about reminding students of upcoming due dates. I was the subject of the aha moment. I had completed my on-line final exam at the local college and submitted it early. So I thought. Early on the due date, the professor sent me a note reminding me of the deadline... she had not seen my product yet! Sure enough, I had screwed up the transmission procedure. Got reorganized and sent it again... properly. The actions of that professor taught me a valuable lesson beyond the established course material... mistakes can happen despite one's best effort!! Since then, I always remind my students about upcoming deadlines!
Assignment follow up makes the assignment relevant to the student and makes the student accountable to the assignment. I admit this is an area that I really need to improve on. I think this course is a great step for me in being more of an attentive teacher.
Hi Amanda,
You get to set your rules. You can certainly issue a 0 if a student does not turn in their assignments on time, or you can even deduct points. It is your call.
Patricia Scales
I am new instructor , on my third day I had the students hand in papers that were due from previous instructor on that day.. only two of my students had them.. My question is should they get a 0 if they don't have on due date?
It is a way to show that you care about their success and that you are there to help keep them on track and not just a "taskmaster".
It is important to follow up on assignments and readings given to students because they will be less likely to disregard the assignments and also because they will be more likely to take the educational institution and the educational process more seriously if they know they will be held accountable.
It makes the students realize there a repercussions for not completing an assignment that they can carry over to their professional career
I think that if you aren't following up it makes you as the instructor look bad, lazy, and that you could care less about their success.
Hi Meghan,
You really want your students to succeed! This puts a lot of work on you, but I can tell you are not bothered by that. My hats off to you for working hard to help your students succeed!
Patricia Scales
Hi Mona,
You also may want to try guided notes as well. Review sheets are very effective. Mini quizzes to help prepare for the big test are very helpful too.
Patricia Scales
When students are aware that I will read their work, respond and provide feedback it gives them more incentive to complete the task fully the first time.
I often hand work back to students and request it be adjusted to meet the expectations stated in the directions before I will grade it. This lets them know I will follow up and be consistent. I hope this helps motivate them to improve the quality of their work.
I put comments on papers and have them look back at the last paper completed to read the notes before the next paper is due. I request they make the appropriate adjustments to the next paper. The students tend to rise to the challenge and papers improve quickly.
Going over the work they turn in at the beginning of class matters too. The homework can be a jumping off point for what to focus on in class. What questions do students still have? What can we clarify?
James, I like your idea of review sheets at the end of the class. I sm going to incorporate that into my Pathophydiolgy course. I have several students that are struggling with the amount of information given in such a short period of time. This will reinforce the lecture.
I Like the follow up assignment strategy to reinforce learning objectives. Rather than short term learning it helps the students put the information in a more long term storage to be used and recalled at a later time.
I believe if you are diligent in following up with their assignments shows that what you are teaching them is very important and is a must know for them to be successful! I also have them follow through when they take a test and miss answers. I explain just because the test if over and you passed doesn't mean you shouldn't learn what you missed... If is was important enough for me to quiz or test you on it, it must be important! So I do have them go back, find and LEARN the correct answer.
Hi Bethany,
When students fully trust you, you generally see that they will work hard to not disappoint you.
Patricia Scales
I believe following up with work and assignments sets the precedent that you are a person of your word and this helps to establish a sense of security in the classroom and also a sense of security in your students towards you. Builds trust.
Hi Clifton,
It is great when students know exactly where they stand grade wise. A student should have a solid idea about what grade level they are at in a class because of the instructor providing them with graded papers in a timely manner.
Patricia Scales
In order for both the student & instructor to gauge learning and comprehension progress prior to any major exam, quizzes along the way are the best method. It keeps the student apprised that follow-up exists (and so study is necessary) and that each knows the student's standing in the academic arena.
It shows the student that you have an interest in their success, and that you are there for them. One of the policies that I use is when student takes a quiz, they have one week to correct the answers for a better grade. Once the one week period closes they are no longer able to submit any changes. In the past it has worked well, in fact as the term progresses the students seem to progressively score better. Also as part of my follow up every student gets a one on one follow up to review their tests.
