Much of the research our staff has read discusses students' desire to connect with others in their online education experiences. For teachers, one of the best ways we can do this is through the comments that we leave at the end of students' units.
How often have we been in a hurry and simply typed a "Good Work!" comment? Or maybe we just posted the grade and then moved on without any comments at all. I just had an experience that changed my mind about leaving comments for students.
I made a decision this school year to start leaving more detailed comments for students. I knew that it would take me longer to get my grading done, but I also thought that students might appreciate more feedback and interaction. I've started writing at least two sentences at the end of each unit that I grade. I attempt to comment on something that the student wrote in an answer or just about something that was covered in the unit.
For example, one of the Introduction to the Internet units deals with planning for college and careers. At the end of one student's unit I typed something like this: It sounds like you have some exciting plans for your future! I hope that this unit has helped you with those plans. Best Wishes, Mark!
It only took a few seconds to type that message, and I'm striving to leave a similar message at the end of each unit. I've already received positive responses from my students. One student emailed to tell me about his plans to join the military, and another student commented that it was nice to know that I cared about what she was learning.
Students may never give us feedback on our comments, but you can be sure that they do notice what we write (or don't write). It's amazing how far a little bit of thoughtful encouragement goes!
Do you leave significant comments for your students? If not, maybe you could consider offering more detailed feedback as they work with them through their units. You just might be amazed at their willingness to do extra work as they see that you're interested in their success.
How often have we been in a hurry and simply typed a "Good Work!" comment? Or maybe we just posted the grade and then moved on without any comments at all. I just had an experience that changed my mind about leaving comments for students.
I made a decision this school year to start leaving more detailed comments for students. I knew that it would take me longer to get my grading done, but I also thought that students might appreciate more feedback and interaction. I've started writing at least two sentences at the end of each unit that I grade. I attempt to comment on something that the student wrote in an answer or just about something that was covered in the unit.
For example, one of the Introduction to the Internet units deals with planning for college and careers. At the end of one student's unit I typed something like this: It sounds like you have some exciting plans for your future! I hope that this unit has helped you with those plans. Best Wishes, Mark!
It only took a few seconds to type that message, and I'm striving to leave a similar message at the end of each unit. I've already received positive responses from my students. One student emailed to tell me about his plans to join the military, and another student commented that it was nice to know that I cared about what she was learning.
Students may never give us feedback on our comments, but you can be sure that they do notice what we write (or don't write). It's amazing how far a little bit of thoughtful encouragement goes!
Do you leave significant comments for your students? If not, maybe you could consider offering more detailed feedback as they work with them through their units. You just might be amazed at their willingness to do extra work as they see that you're interested in their success.
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