Keeping Students Organized Using "In-Class" Folders

I'm not big on assigning homework. Half the class won't do it and half the class will. Then some students are ahead and some students are behind. Yes, the consequence for the ones who are behind will be a lower grade (or failing grade). That doesn't work for me either. Those same students who don't do homework will often still have a lower grade than the super prepared and hardworking students, simply because they are lower performing students. AND THAT'S OK. Everyone doesn't work at the same level or pace or with the same motivation and as teachers we shouldn't expect that. It's our complicated job to figure out how to reach all students and help them grow and be successful regardless of their current abilities. Assigning homework that I know will not be done by my lowest performing students only ensures that they will be less prepared for the next topic or skill that is learned, causing them to fall even more behind. It becomes a cycle that further separates the hardworking students from those who- let’s say- need a bit more encouragement. So, there is no homework in Mrs. Taylor's class.

My alternative is just doing all of the work in class. This way, stronger students can work with weaker students and I am there to guide and help everyone so that they grow and learn no matter what level they started at. This helps foster a collaborative environment in my classroom which I LOVE! It also means that some activities and assignments will span several days and students have to keep up with their work from day to day, but not do it for homework.

Last year I used crates to hand back and store graded work. Each student had a file that some checked periodically for graded work. I found, however, that many students were using their folder in the crate to store work that we were doing in class so they didn't accidentally lose it from one day to the next. So from that, I developed my current folder system.

Each class has a crate. Each student has a “file” (hanging file folder). I also had each student buy a pocket folder for my class, plus loose-leaf notebook paper to keep in the folder so it’s handy for taking notes. They also keep a stack of post-it notes in their folder to use for their exit tickets at the end of the class. Everything is all in one place and it never leaves the classroom. They get their folder out of the crate when they come into the classroom and at the end of the class they put it back!

Here are three benefits of the in-class folder system that I have found:

1.     Nothing gets lost and I don’t have to print out a ton of extra copies for those “less organized” students who always seem to lose their work and need a new handout. 

2.    Lower performing students are not burdened with homework they won't or can't do. Some students really do struggle with working independently- especially in a history class that requires a significant amount of reading and analytical response. And in many cases, they just don’t do it because it’s hard. They fall further and further behind in both content and skill. This just reinforces to them that they aren’t capable and in many cases causes students to just give up. The folder system ensures weaker students always have access to stronger students who can help them. And I am always there, of course, to make sure that everyone is on track and give additional support to those who need it the most.  

3.    An added bonus is that it models organization for those who struggle with that skill. Because let’s be honest, some people are gifted with organization and some people are just NOT.  Though my folders stay in the classroom, this is a method of organization students could implement in other classes.

As with anything, there are drawbacks. Here are a few and how I have tried to overcome them.

PROBLEM: Students (and parents) do not have access to information and class goings on at home.

SOLUTION: I make everything we do in class available on my class website that students and     parents can access anytime. I also use Remind, which now includes a chat function so parents and students can ask questions or voice concerns any time outside of class.

PROBLEM: Students do not have materials to study for tests at home.

SOLUTION: Again, I make everything is available online. In addition, I also provide a study guide that condenses everything we’ve learned into a single worksheet. We complete it as a class for review and students may take it home to study. There is no harm if they do not bring it back because it has already been checked. Furthermore, the textbook is available online for students to use whenever they want. I have provided a link to the book on my website.  

PROBLEM: Students who were absent may be forced to complete all of their work at school.

SOLUTION: Students have the option to check their folder out and take it home. Alternatively, they could just take home the papers they need and leave the folder in the classroom. They must bring the completed paper back in order to get a grade, but it eliminates the possibility of the folder getting lost. And again, everything is made available on the class website, so it is not necessary to take any materials home as long as a student has Internet access.

PROBLEM: Doing all the work in class may mean taking longer to teach certain topics and risk not covering all the necessary material.

SOLUTION: There is the risk of going too slowly and not covering all the information. This system does require me to stick to a fairly strict schedule. I also know that my personal teaching style has in the past, paced my classes faster than other teachers teaching my same subjects. This means that personally, I have some wiggle room in the schedule to slow my pace down and allow for work to be completed in class.

I’ve tried very hard to think through all the possible scenarios that might arise and I may tweak my system throughout the year to make it fit for specific students. All in all, I think it will serve well. I also intend to get student feedback as we fall into a routine to see how it is working for them! Thoughts and suggestions are welcome!

Lauren