James,
I do something called checking for understanding. As I present a lesson, I go just so far in the lesson before stopping to ask specific questions of specific students. If most students are answering correctly I'll move on. If more than one student cannot answer, I back up a bit, repeat, review, or revise the point and then again ask questions, and so on and so on. In this way, I go only so far before getting a feel that students are generally understanding and won't be lost in the next or upcoming lesson points.
Barry Westling
One of the classes I took several years ago, the instructor gave us a test on the first day. This was to see what we knew. Half way thru and at the end of the course, we took the same test. We did not know, until the end of the final class period. This assisted us in understanding the progress we made.
This allows the student to react on the formative feedback to work on areas that need improvement on their part in the course.
I think the students need to be informed of their status on a regular basis because this helps in the self assessment. The student may be surprised to find out how strong they actually are in certain areas which will increase their self confidence and initiative. The opposite can also be true. A student may think he is very knowledgeable in a certain topic and find out that he needs to focus more on that particular concept.
Wendy,
This is a very fun activity -- I've done quite a few times myself. Students are nearly universally amazed at their progress.
Barry Westling
John,
Sure, and the absence of that feedback can be a factor in how well the students understanding of course material progresses.
Barry Westling
Gayle,
For me, regular feedback is nearly as important as providing the material. I can also compliment, offer suggestions and advice, give support and encouragement, and also get a sense of my instructional strength.
Barry Westling
It is important to keep students informed of their status in the course at all times so as to measure the growth process from the beginning of the course all the way to the end point of the course.
So the students aware of where they stand in the course / whether they need to course correct (pun intended) the level and type of effort they are putting in / they are not surprised by their midterm and/or final grades.
So they know how they are doing in a course. It is one of the main responsibilities of an instructor, keeping students up to date on their progress. A student may be failing a course. If they are not informed of their progress they may think they're doing just fine and continue at status quo.
I believe it helps the students with self assessment. It also helps me as an instructor keep focused on the students that need more help, or a different approach.
No matter how the student responds, the action plan starts on the instructors end.
Gretchen,
Good, frequent feedback should be like a routine process. Students can't operate in a vacuum. Also, our comments can be quite valuable if the students value them.
Barry Westling
Jacob ,
Feedback is so important. Students will operate in a vacuum if their instructor does not provide regular feedback, suggestions, and advice on making any needed improvements.
Barry Westling
Virginia,
Surprises are always awful. Can we prevent less than wonderful news? Absolutely. And regular feedback is the key.
Barry Westling
Its human nature to want to know how you are doing in a course. Students respect an instructor more whom give them their results right away. So they will know what direction to go with their studies.
This helps with students success because if they are not doing well, you can let them know where they are at and gives you an opportunity to encourage them to do better. Lately I have been having the opposite, students rushing through and doing too much, so I encourage them to slow down and spend more time learning the projects. Spending more time will help them retain the information.
Jonathon,
Communication is so important. I use my one on one time to share grades to also offer my support and encouragement.
Barry Westling
Corean,
Also, I make it a point to convey when, where, and how grades will be distributed, and I share that on the first day, backed up with the details in the course syllabus.
Barry Westling
Informing students of their status throughout the course can benefit in a couple ways. If they are doing well it will encourage them to keep up the good work. If they are doing poorly it will help them to see they need to adjust or seek help.
Jamie,
Plus, communication and rapport with students can be created, along with trust and respect.
Barry Westling
