It is extremely important to follow up on the assignments and readings so that the students know that I mean business, first of all. In addition, by following up with the students, this lets them know that I believe these assignments are important enough to pay attention. By modeling this behavior the students begin to associate the importance of the assignments to their overall goal of completing the class. It helps the students to build good habits for application to their learning.
I believe it is highly important, especially in math to follow up on the assignments in class. I do this because math is a topic that continually builds on each other. If a student is missing or not understanding a topic it is highly likely they will not understand the next topic. I understand that life happens, but they need to stay on top of their assignments if they want to be successful. I continually remind them that I don't just give them homework for my health, its only there to benefit them. Their homework is also due the following class period so that it makes the homework a non-option.
Following up with student assignments is a good way to check the students and yourself, as the instructor. If students are not completing the assignments, there must be a reason, especially if it involves more than one or two students. Additionally, it lets the students know that you are not just assigning "busy work" but that you value their time as much as they do. If I don't take the time to follow up I might as well not give the assignment in the first place.
Hi Rosemary,
Many students are interested only in the grade. Students need to pay more attention to the comments, suggestions, advice, etc. so that they can become better in a specialized area.
Patricia
Hi Joseph,
It is worth it! Students really feel like you have their best interest at heart when this type of action takes place. Students need to know that we really want them to succeed.
Patricia
I have to agree that it is imperative that instructors give feedback on student's assignments by the next class so that the student can see what skills they have mastered and what areas they need to work on. Too often, though, students only seem interested in the "grade" and don't pay attention to the comments, suggestions and corrections I have spent a great deal of time writing out on their grade sheet or project.
Following up on student assignments helps not only the students deepen their grasp of the concept(s) introduced in the previous class session, but also the instructor gauge the students whether anything needs reiterated. I'd like to use my Math courses as an example to demonstrate my answer. At the beginning of each class session except the first one, I always ask the students whether they have any question regarding the assignment from the previous session and/or the reading. Then I involve the students in the question(s). This might take up 15 to 30 minutes of the two-hour class session, but I feel it's worth it. It helps me and the students to move into the new topic that is built upon the concept(s) in the assignment.
If I don't follow up with an assignment, it's like telling the students that I gave them busy work with no real reason behind it. If I expect them to do it, and turn it in on time, then I expect I will grade it and return it in a timely manner.
I have found that if I have them complete an "on your honor" lesson, very few actually complete it. I found they have to turn it in for a grade. I have found as well that when they actually see the zero for the assignment, they get upset and turn it in ASAP.
Sara Donevant
Hi Denise,
Absolutley, this is simply our job! I like how you go over the assignments with the students so that they can understand what they did wrong.
Patricia
Hi Earl,
Absolutely! It is simply the professional thing to do, and we owe it to our students to let them know how they are progressing within a timely manner.
Patricia
Besides showing the students you are serious about the goals and deadlines, following up also sets the professional attitude you want your students to have in their work ethic.
Why am I there if not to guide them? To follow up for me is my way of guiding them through the class. It makes us both accountable as well but really it is my way of assisting them through the course. Weekly quizzes are a part of this. I also return assignments as soon as possible and go over them with students.
Hi Sherry,
We must lead by example. Putting things off and not doing things within a timely manner is not the message you want to send to students.
Patricia
Not only will it make managing your classroom easier, you will gain respect from your students for setting guidelines and following them. You are also teaching your students valuable skills for future employment.
Hi Roy,
Great pattern for teaching...you have it! This in my opinion is an effective way for students to learn.
Patricia
For many years in the business world, I was a teaching/training coach as it were. I had many things to teach new associates. In that role I would teach a particular skill in this manner: 1)Tell them how, 2)Show them how, 3)Let them do it, and 4) Correct their mistakes. I would continue this process until my associate acheived success. Repetition and practice would yield excellence. I have adapted this style for the classroom. The students know what is expected. I know I will get the desired results if I inspect what is expected. I have several types of feedback like "pop" quizes, one page essay papers, and discussions where the students must "carry" the discussion. There are many steps to ensure the students get the material. Each one is indespensible if success is to be achieved.
Hi Eric,
Students deserve to get timely feedback from their assignments. I've known some instructors to keep student assignments for more than a month. I try to return graded papers the next meeting period, even if it is the next day.
Patricia
Hi Charles,
Great way to end a topic. Have you ever found yourself having to go back over the topic with the entire class for clarification/understanding?
Patricia
I agree, and I do make follow-up on the most recent assignment part of my current class lesson plan, along with PPT presentations and open discussion focused on the current topic. All assignments are graded within the week, and I direct them to Blackboard to see the change in points they have credited and how it stands against total potential points (percentage). I'm hoping these things will keep them focused on and serious about assignments as well as periodic tests.
