I use an electronic grade book. After every test I print each students progress showing tests, labs, attendance and professionalism. I rarely have any issues with students.
Sean,
Great. Students are only able to make critical adjustments in their study focus when they have current and relevant grade information to make informed decision making.
Barry Westling
I pride myself in informing students as to their progress in the course. This is typically done on a weekly basis throughout the course and provides me with an opportunity to speak one-on-one with each student. If there is any attendance or academic concerns, we can talk about it and come up with solutions before they become a bigger problem. It is also an opportunity to let students know they are doing a great job as these students can get overlooked because they are doing everything that is expected of them.
Chris,
This is terrific. Only the most unaccountable or disinterested student would not benefit from these grade and information sharing discussion sessions.
Barry Westling
I always correct my students test as soon as they're done. They are very appreciative and I like that they're not at home worrying and wondering how well they did on the test.
Adelina ,
Sounds good. Students usually have enough angst already without unnecessary waiting to get results of testing, especially if they have devoted a lot of time studying in preparation for the exam. It's important to state beforehand when results will be available, then the instructor should do all to adhere to that schedule.
Barry Westling
I know for myself when I was taking an online course for my AS degree, I was obsessed with knowing my standing in the class. I am the classic overachiever, I guess, but I can understand why a student would feel anxious about knowing their grade. I think it was a good motivator for me to keep my grade where I wanted it. I felt it was my responsibility to know where I stood and improve the grade if necessary. Wouldn't it be great if EVERY student felt that way??
Kerry
Kerry ,
Yes, it's only a few students who are not interested in their grades. So it's a valuable method to improve trust and confidence in the instructor by doing all we can to state when grades will be posted, and then assure that we stick to that. Unfortunately, while everyone wants the good grades, not everyone is willing buckle down to do the work that legitimately earns those grades. Nonetheless, we need to do our part.
Barry Westling
Students need to know their progress in class.
Cenek,
Yes, sharing grade information is a vital map for students to acquire feedback.
Barry Westling
Students need to know what to expect and how they are doing. My schools have online resources for them, so students can always know their status. Also, it keeps end of term grading manageable.
Robin,
I think when students have immediate access to grades, and are informed regularly about their performance, they know where and what needs improvement, almost as an edge. This frequent status sharing ought to be one primary focus of the instructor.
Barry Westling
I believe it is important that they know how they are doing in the course for them selves, not in comparison to others. Good grades are what students should aspire to, if uninformed they may not try hard enough. There must be a goal to attain for there own satisfaction.
Dave,
Yeah, grades are so important to students, for some, a reflection of their personal worth and self esteem. While not accurate, instructors should recognize that it exists, and do all we can to inform, encourage, support and advise.
Barry Westling
They will have a greater ability to act on a perceived problem if they know the running grade.
Jeff,
Right, and without feedback that's current, action could possibly be misdirected or diminished in scope.
Barry Westling
Keeping students informed adds to there kenetic follow going forward in the Phase. How offen would you sugguest doing this?
David,
Many factors are involved. For a class that meets every day, a week should not go by that students are given some sort of feedback. The real answer is often enough so that students have an opportunity to understand their progress and have time enough to make corrections in their study habits, preparation, or assistance with remediation.
Barry Westling
So that student know where he or she is standing in terms of particular course/material. Student can plan and establish strategy to move on.
Ehtisham,
Yeah, and students need a strategy. Without regular input or feedback from the instructor, students may drift away from the right course of study and achieving the desired learning outcomes.
Barry Westling
