Documenting Phone Conversations

This is something I am doing this semester.
If a science Lab was submitted on time but it was poorly done, here is one technique I use when allowing extra time to revise and re-submit work.
I request a phone conversation with the student in order to discuss why the Lab did not meet the course standards and criteria and what needs improving in order to attain a better grade.
As we are speaking (not from memory hours later) and, based on my conversation with the student, I jot down some notes that contain: any important questions that I asked, the student’s reply and/or comments to my questions as well as the criteria that must be met to receive additional points on a revised Lab submission.
(I always inform the students at the beginning of the phone call that I am compiling notes and that they will be sent via Email “for their records” when we have finished talking.)

Before ending the conversation, I ask if the student understands the criteria for improving an assignment and if he/she agrees to it. The student’s response is also noted.

After the phone call ends, I copy/paste these notes into an Email message which I send to the student and to myself. In this Email I put the date and time of our phone conversation.

I do this for all important phone conversations relating to student requests to submit late or revised work.
This way the student and I both have a record of what was covered in the phone call as well as what agreements were reached that will allow the student to improve a grade.

Lorrie