Informing students of status in course
Why is it important to keep students informed of their status in the course at all times?
It helps the students to keep them informed of their progress regularly. I give mine a weekly progress report that they sign and return to me. I circle any work owed and highlight recently graded work. (I have a small class, so this is easy to keep up with.) This way they know what is missing, and I learn quickly if I missed grading them on anything. The biggest benefit is that by keeping current on grading, I can easily see whether any student or group is struggling with the material, and I can quickly adapt my lesson plan to review the material or skills again.
Students want to be informed of their progress, or lack thereof. As their instructor it is my responsibility to be current and consistent with grading methods and mediums by which the students can be informed of their grades. Doing this will also allow me to further any help-needed students. After all, they are the ones investing in us to help get them to a better future.
Jeffery,
Yeah, some students will remain adrift without focused, directed, and informative advice, suggestions, and update of their status. In general, most every students wants to know and probably appreciates the information their instructor gives.
Barry Westling
Shelby,
Weekly progress is awesome. For me, personalized meeting with student helps convey my interest in their success, along with individualized suggestions for improvement.
Barry Westling
I have found that student like to know how they doing in the class. So I have printed out reports every Friday of the weeks progress. This helps them improve they scores the next time.
William,
Great technique! The little bit of extra time this takes is probably outmatched three-fold in terms of student benefit, along with their appreciation.
Barry Westling
it lets the students know how they're doing so they can make adjustments asap to pass the class instead of failing
Paul,
I meet with student to personal share their performance, along with posting all graded activities immediately once graded. I like to be able share my suggestions for improvement, advice, and of course, praise students for outstanding work.
Barry Westling
I also keep them up to date with a progress report at least once a week. This keeps them informed and also lets them know what they are missing.
Frank,
Once a week is great! Students appreciate knowing their status. I share information personally whenever possible.
Barry Westling
By having a system in which you can allow the student to see the progress of their work with regards to points awarded for the completion of projects, quizzes and professionalism it is possible to sit down with students on an individual basis at regular intervals to point out areas that they may be weak in with regards to test taking, homework completion or practical lab applications. This gives the instructor and the student ways to develop a plan to increase the students performance if they desire.
Eugene,
In my classes, this is not an optional activity but one that I prioritize and require students to participate. I also use an advising report that summarizes what was discussed, what results occurred, and what expectations I have and the students responsibility to comply. Of course, they sign this document and get a copy, which is part of their permanent record.
Barry Westling
We use an electronic grade book that students can access at any time (it is updated weekly) and also a writen weekly grade report.
Taiya,
Wonderful. Access to information can only help. I believe individual discussion with students allows me to share my ideas for improvement, and convey that I care about the students success.
Barry Westling
I believe that if students aren't able to track their progress, they spend a lot of time worrying. With so much information being presented in a short amount of time, it is encouraging to the students, and the instructors to be sure the students know exactly where they are in the course. I have also seen it bond students that might start studying together and establish connections. This is important due to the team work that is required in this field.
Kim,
This is true. Personalizing discussion regarding progress or improvements can do much to strengthen the. Relationship between student and instructor. Trust and greater respect are the least among many potential outcomes.
Barry Westling
Students need to be aware of their status so they are always aware of grade averages, missed work, etc.
Willie,
Without a sense of progress made or missing assignments, it'd be difficult to successfully make any needed changes. I believe the more frequent this information is shared, the better
Barry Westling
So that they know if they need to improve and perhaps to create a dialogue where they can express their issue with the course.
