Get Your Students Hired
:)
I had some instructors walk into class and say that, and I will tell you that it is demoralizing from a student's perspective. I also had instructors tell us straight up, "Only one or two of you will make an 'A,'" or "The final grades in here will reflect a bell curve."
As an educator, I avoid telling students anything like that. I am a believer in rewarding achievement and not just "giving out good grades" to be a peacemaker. However, I am also a believer that someone should have a fair opportunity to earn the grade he or she chooses. Of course, everyone will not make an "A" or "B," but I emphasize to the students that they can if they apply themselves.
I really liked what this module said about not assuming that "well, they're adults" and that mentality. Many of my adult students are not accustomed to adding the burden of schoolwork along with their home and occupational commitments. It takes them a while to get their "feet wet," too, and they deserve a measure of understanding in undertaking what is a very frightening prospect to many of them.
My son currently has an English instructor who is very demoralizing. He submitted his first paper (three pages) and every ounce of white space was marked in red ink. My son was very angry, so I told him to pull out a positive comment and hold on to it as inspiration. After several minutes, he said, "Mom, I cannot find any positive comments." Do you care to guess what was his final grade on the paper? He received a 97 percent. Unfortunately, he is left feeling demoralized by the instructor. To make matters worse, she actually said to the class, "If you got an A on this paper, you can expect to get a B or lower on the next paper." How's that for encouragement?
The entire incident reminds me of the importance of setting high but attainable expectations. We as teachers need to be the cheerleader that encourages our students to excel to a high level not because we are an "easy grader" but because the expectations were postively communicated and lessons and activities were well thought out and well planned.
Hi Larry,
That's right, let's be positive and build our students up, not tear them down.
Patricia
I agree also that we should be and / or become motivators. It is true that it is an individual’s responsibility to want to do well in class, I call that ownership. However, as instructors we should look or prepare for those students that lack self efficacy and esteem. For many, they only need a positive push, not a negative put down.
Hi Larry,
These type of statements are very demotivating. I believe in encouraging and instilling confidence in students because all things are possible. It is solely left up to the individual as to how well they want to do.
Patricia
Just graduating from high school and starting college was an exciting time in my life. Sitting in the college auditorium for orientation, with hundreds of new students and possibly new friends, was even more exhilarating. But when the college official spokesman said that half of us are going to fail and would not graduate, I was devastated. He never said why, but I became one of them that failed.
I know teachers today that who have made this statement, on the first day of class!
Hi Tony,
Super response! Our students need to realize that it is more important that they fully understand the skill and can apply it instead of getting a 100 on everything.
Patricia
As a Vo-tech instructor, I emphasize that their goal is to develope the necessary skill sets for future employment. Grades have an emotional influence that may not reflect definitive skills assessment.In short, while grades can be an indicator, what a person does with that knowledge is far reaching.
I remember being told in nursing school by several profs that "no one gets an "A" in these classes". What a great way to guarantee under-achieving!
Hi Lori,
How demotivating! Instructors should want their students to do well; afterall grades are a direct reflection on the instructor as well. Instructors need to be their students biggest cheerleader!
Patricia
I have been in a class where the instrutor told us no one would get an A. The overachiever tries to prove they will be the one student who gets the "A" and become angry when they do not get one. The others will probably give up trying very early in the class.
Hi Anthony,
It can be extremely demotivating whenever the instructor tells you on Day 1 no one gets an A. As educators we need to be very motivating as possible. The course requirements should be set up for attaining an A, if one applies themselves. I certainly agree with your response.
Patricia
Hi Loren,
Absolutely! We should begin every class we teach on a positive note. The instructor needs to be encouraging.
Patricia
One of the classes that I am currently teaching is Career Management. In this course, the challenge is manipulating students through their, often poor command of English. I do not have the time to work extensively on those issues. Rather, they turn in resumes, reference sheets, cover letters, etc. three times and receive 10/20/40 points for the effort if turned in on time. My objective is to teach the process. I begin the semester by saying that everyone can get an A.
Hi Maira,
It certainly does not shine favorably upon the instructor when everyone barely passes or fails the class. Grades really reflect student's learning abilities as well as instructor's teaching abilities.
Patricia
Hi Kelly,
I love this approach. I take a similar approach on the first day. I tell my students that in the past the majority of my students have made an "A" in the course, and they can do the same. Then I tell them what needs to be done in order to make an "A". This is very encouraging for the student.
Patricia
I too avoid telling students that only one or two of them will make an "A". I actually no the oopposite. I tell my students on the first day of class that they all have the ability and opportunity to pass the course. Any of my students who do fail take the blame. I tell my students from the first day what they need to do to earn an A. Those who fail know that they did not do what was required of them.
Anthony, I agree with your observation about demoralizing. An "A" or "B" are the means of an assessment. If a student accomplishes obtaining this grade, then it should be reflective of both learning and teaching.