As fall 2021 comes to a close, I wanted to highlight a couple of timely resources to help you negotiate some of the most common challenges and demands on our time that come at the end of a semester…
Grade review policy: When students want to argue that they deserve more points on an assignment or assessment, it helps to have a set policy and procedure in place. This grade review policy asks students to do additional critical thinking about their response and the course materials, and present evidence that justifies a higher score.
End-of-semester surveys: At the end of the semester, I use my own surveys to collect feedback from students, and use it to improve the course for next semester - this article includes the Google forms template I use.
Recommendation letters: Some tips for students and some for instructors to help both sides approach the recommendation process.
Keeping student notes: Now is the best time for making notes about students' performance in your course for the future, both in terms of thinking ahead to future letters of recommendation and for a view of students over time, if you have repeat students.
Final class meetings: Ideas for how to incorporate reflection, peer recognition, and maybe something fun into the final class meetings of the semester. This semester I’m ending with one-on-one conferences, and it has been a true delight to have the chance to touch base with individual students - each meeting has been a bright spot in a challenging semester.
Next week I plan to share some ideas for really taking a break over the winter break, so if you have any plans for what to do to help you recharge, I would love to hear them.
Whether you’re deep in grading papers or preparing exams, I hope that the semester ends well - and if not well, at least quickly!
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