Midterm Check-Ins
Halfway through the term, I make sure grades are calculated to date and have one-to-one conversations with students about their progress.
Why Should You Check In With Students?
It is important for students to know where they stand. I find that many of them do not understand how percentages are calculated, for example. Although I list my grade breakdowns in the syllabus, it’s a confusing and somewhat abstract concept. Check-ins allow me to explain what their grade is and why.
Check-ins build relationships and trust. Taking a short time to connect with them about their progress goes a long way in their success for the remainder of the term. If a student has struggled to ask for help before, check-ins encourage them to do it in the future.
They can also make a plan for the future. I might point out to a student that their weekly reading quiz scores are wonderful, but their big ticket essay grades are low. We discuss time management and prioritization for remaining assignments.
How Should You Check In With Students?
Inspired by the 2X10 Relationship Building model, I spend 2 minutes chatting with students.
In a face-to-face class, I set aside time for students to work independently on something during class (such as an upcoming paper). I call up students one at a time. I ask if they know what their grade is. Sometimes, they don’t. Sometimes, they do and they are embarrassed because it’s low or modest because it’s high. If it’s low, I remind them they still have time to turn things around and I suggest strategies for moving forward. If it’s high, I give them praise and give them strategies to keep it that way.
In an online class, I post an announcement to give some overall feedback (maybe explaining percentages, listing some study skills, pointing them to life hack workshops, etc.). Then, I send a message to struggling students. I give them the option to sign a “midterm agreement”. This gives them the privilege of redoing a few missed assignments IF they turn in assignments on time and thoroughly for two weeks. (Note: I don’t offer this in my face to face classes because I can’t support them more immediately and don’t see the kind of grade struggles I do in online asynchronous courses).
