I think it helps to keep students motivated toward learning the material because no one wants to fail. It also can prompt conversations with students who may need some extra help.
I like the idea of introducing the syllabus at the beginning of the course with the information that each student should expect a mid-term evaluation on the students' progress.
Don,
I think it very hard to be motivated when hope of success is diminished. Yet, simple encouragement and conveying we care can turn around even the most hopeless situation, especially when discussed early on, and bot student and instructor are committed to do all they can to succeed.
Barry Westling
Students and instructors both need to know if the students are are absorbing and comprehending the concepts being presented. The instructor needs to know if his methods of teaching are effective and the students need to know where they need further improvement.
Edie,
Early feedback on progress made to date can be a lifesaver for some students.
Barry Westling
Terri,
These are very good reasons. There is a common pitfall (usually with newer instructors) that once information has been presented that students should be able to immediately understand, and in reality, that's rarely the case. Instructors need feedback as much as the students do.
Barry Westling
It's important for them to know where they stand so that they know whether or not they need to improve.
Students need to know where they stand in the classroom. They want to know their test results as soon as possible and what the results are from lab competencies. I feel if they know the results quickly, they can feel good about what they have learned or if they have problems are able to correct the issue before it gets too late in the course.
Cindy,
Feedback is very important, and in my opinion, should be prioritized in all ways possible. We can encourage, support, praise, advise, suggest, and measure progress through sharing grade information. We can also get a sense about our effectiveness as instructors too.
Barry Westling
Students need to know what areas the need to work on.
Robert,
I like to meet in person because I can convey my sincere desire for their success through support, encouragement, advice, suggestions, and praise.
Barry Westling
The best test I ever took as a college student was self-grading in that as you filled in the answer bubble it turned green for a correct answer or red for an incorrect response. You had immediate feedback regarding your assessment.
Michael,
Kind of cool. Feedback is great, and students thrive on results, points and grades. Even discussions involving less than wonderful performance benefits the students. In-person discussions work the best for me, as I can help create optimism while sharing performance measures.
Barry Westling
Keeping a student informed of their grade helps them to know where they stand. Being informed can be incentive for continuing the good work, or improving if need be.
Joyce,
Yes, and without this critical feedback, students will be left to their own suppositions as to how they're doing. Feedback is a two-way street, and sometimes an instructor can receive key information about their own efficiency of instruction.
Barry Westling
Students need praise as well as need feedback for poor performance. this either keeps them motivated or may motivate them to do better.
It helps both the student and the instructor know how the material is being understood. The instructor can use this information to adjust teaching style and provide additional resources to engage students and help them succeed.
Ashley,
Also, students can be motivated when they feel their instructor is conveying they want to assist in the students success.
Barry Westling
John,
I agree. It takes so little extra effo9rt to give a helpful suggestio0n, a kind word, or sentiments that imply support.
Barry Westling
Immediate feedback on any human activity is the best teacher. If I'm playing tennis, for example, I don't want to wait until next week to see if my shot went in the court. By the same token, I can adjust my performance in a class if I know where my efforts have landed.
