What is the first step an instructor should take when students are not achieving expected outcomes?

The first step an instructor should take when students are not achieving expected outcomes is to conduct an assessment to determine the cause of failure. This approach is foundational because it allows the instructor to gather critical information about why students are struggling, which can vary widely from misunderstandings of the material, lack of engagement, or even external factors affecting student performance.

By assessing the situation, the instructor can identify specific areas where students are lacking and understand whether the problems lie within the instructional methods, the curriculum, or the students' grasp of the concepts. After this assessment, the instructor can make informed decisions on how to address the issues, such as developing a remediation plan, reevaluating student performance, or implementing new teaching methods.

Conducting an assessment is essential because it shifts the focus from assuming there’s a one-size-fits-all solution to understanding the unique challenges faced by the students. This tailored approach ultimately enhances the educational experience and promotes better learning outcomes.