KEEPING STUDENT RECORDS

Whatever methods we use it is important to keep a record of the marks or grades we give to students. We need this

• for our own use to find out how students are progressing;

• for the students’ use so they know how they are progressing;

• for Centre use for end of term reports and graduation certificates;

• for future use in writing student recommendations.

You should start a record book with the names of all your students at the beginning of each year.

STUDENT PROFILES

Students should not be judged only on their ability to perform skills or their knowledge and understanding tested in writing. Many other aspects of their character and performance in the Centre are important, such as the amount of work they do, their willingness to do work, cooperation with others, willingness to follow the rules of the Centre, positions of responsibility held, such as group leader etc.

For each student, therefore, we should draw up a ‘student profile’ showing all of these points. This can either be done by brief comments e.g. “Always willing to work hard”, or a series of scales e.g.

1 = very hard worker

2 = hard worker

3 = occasionally works hard

4 = generally lazy.

These scales can be used for all students, so a comparison is easy.

This profile should be started as soon as possible after the students enter the Centre and kept up to date. Do not leave it until the ‘reports’ are due at the end of the year and you are too busy to concentrate, or cannot really remember what the student is like. Remember, regular reporting will save you time at the end of the year as all the information will be there.