Make sensitive comments
The year is ending. Many teachers are already writing report cards while others are still marking examinations. Parents are also anxiously waiting to see their children make it to the next class.
The year is ending. Many teachers are already writing report cards while others are still marking examinations. Parents are also anxiously waiting to see their children make it to the next class.
It is time to assess the students and help them perform better next term. Beyond the marks we award, the comments, both on their scripts and the report cards impacts on them. Even parents’ reactions to reports can make or break a student.
Many comments are, to say the least, empty. It is inconsequential to point out that 20% is a weak grade. It is already obvious that such a mark is undesirable. In such a case, it would be useful to point out what the student can do to improve or where the weakness is. “Must participate more in class†points out a weakness as well as a possible area for improvement.
“Pay more attention in classâ€, or “Seems easily distracted†indicates a playful or unserious student or points out a passive student. “Works hard but must get organised†could point out that a student is committed but failed to make the mark.
To make these comments, teachers must know the students well. Knowing each student individually means taking time and making the effort to study the student closely. If you do not know the student well, it is safer to use non-personal comments like “Should improve†or “Could do betterâ€.
Even students with 90% in the examinations can be asked to work harder.
A negative comment could push a student over the edge and cause them to resent studies. Comments such as “Poorâ€, 'Shocking' and “Miserableâ€; can be devastating.
Parents, too, should watch what they say when they recieve their children’s reports. Instead of saying a performance is not good, some fathers tell the children they inherited the shallow brains from their mother.
Parents could ask the students to account for the poor grades and lay down improvement strategies for the holiday.
We should all comment sensitively and sensibly to avoid hurting the feelings of the students.
Look towards inspiring them instead of intimidating and give support to allow improvement.
Quote of the day:
A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron. Horace Mann
It is time to assess the students and help them perform better next term. Beyond the marks we award, the comments, both on their scripts and the report cards impacts on them. Even parents’ reactions to reports can make or break a student.
Many comments are, to say the least, empty. It is inconsequential to point out that 20% is a weak grade. It is already obvious that such a mark is undesirable. In such a case, it would be useful to point out what the student can do to improve or where the weakness is. “Must participate more in class†points out a weakness as well as a possible area for improvement.
“Pay more attention in classâ€, or “Seems easily distracted†indicates a playful or unserious student or points out a passive student. “Works hard but must get organised†could point out that a student is committed but failed to make the mark.
To make these comments, teachers must know the students well. Knowing each student individually means taking time and making the effort to study the student closely. If you do not know the student well, it is safer to use non-personal comments like “Should improve†or “Could do betterâ€.
Even students with 90% in the examinations can be asked to work harder.
A negative comment could push a student over the edge and cause them to resent studies. Comments such as “Poorâ€, 'Shocking' and “Miserableâ€; can be devastating.
Parents, too, should watch what they say when they recieve their children’s reports. Instead of saying a performance is not good, some fathers tell the children they inherited the shallow brains from their mother.
Parents could ask the students to account for the poor grades and lay down improvement strategies for the holiday.
We should all comment sensitively and sensibly to avoid hurting the feelings of the students.
Look towards inspiring them instead of intimidating and give support to allow improvement.
Quote of the day:
A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron. Horace Mann