Improving Communication about Effort

Thirty-six percent. That’s how much of their grade students believe should be based on effort (Altman et al., 2019). They said 38 percent in one previous survey (Adams, 2005) and 40 percent in another (Zinn et al., 2011). That was more than double the faculty response in each survey. In the 2019 survey, the researchers described this disparity as a “robust and enduring difference” (p. 205). Students also felt that effort should count most in required gen ed courses, which they don’t see as personally relevant. In those courses they reported that if a student was not “performing adequately” but trying hard, they should still get a D or a C (Altman et al., 2019, p. 205).

To continue reading, you must be a Teaching Professor Subscriber. Please log in or sign up for full access.

One Response

  1. If a student is stating that they make all of this effort, but it is not paying off in mastery of skills, what is being done to help the student assess their study skills? Were they offered a seminar as a freshman to learn how to study at the collegiate level? Can this be made mandatory (I am an EdD student)? What is happening at your institutions? Thank you!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

I have two loves: teaching and learning. Although I love them for different reasons, I’ve been passionate about...
I hear you already: “I barely survived this academic year. The last thing I want to think about...
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can transform the learning experience. By weaving a cohesive narrative throughout a...
The ending of a course is worthy of greater attention than it typically receives. Endless time and energy...
Deadlines are a blessing and a curse. We need them to get things done, but they often loom...
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the most fitting definition of the word light-hearted (sic)for my purposes is this...
A variety of factors can undermine performance on a test beyond lack of knowledge, such as anxiety and...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, and select newsletters

Login here

Get unlimited access to The Teaching Professor

Stay informed. Subscribe Now.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of The Teaching Professor

You only have  free article views remaining.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 a month thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Are you signed up for free weekly Teaching Professor updates?

You'll get notified of the newest articles.