We do not allow student input during class because there is little thought to the course except to have breaks more often. If it is a serious comment and relates to the topic and scope of the lesson I am always willing to listen. We offer input with the course critique at the end of the course. We also request that they provide input after they are in the field. We want to know what they feel they were lacking and what they feel a new entry, who may be working with them, should know.
I encourage input from students particularly on topics that they find interesting and meaningful. This creates an engaging environment and in my experience this encourages participation among students.
I find it very useful to survey my students in an open and honest manner. I like to hold a class discussion to find out what they found was the most interesting and valauble aspects to them and which items they enjoyed or learned the least from. While I don't always agree or am not always able to change the lesson to their desire I do like to take their thoughts into consideration.
in an informal way I note what they were most interested in and try to add it to future lesson plans
I think that getting student input during a "mid-term evaluation" would be helpful for me to make any adjustments in my lesson plans. Maybe the students need more demonstrations or class lab time to effectively grasp concepts an principles needed to succeed in the class. Waiting until the end of the course for feedback from the students would be a bit counter productive to helping adjust a lesson plan to be more effective.
Frances,
I agree. This is especially true for non-traditional institutions.
Tremayne Simpson
We also have end of course survey's that help us understand the students likes and dislikes of the course which in turn helps us fine tune and tailor our lesson plan to the needs of our students when possible.
We do an End Of Course critique that allows students to go online and make comments.
However, there are some days in the class I'm currently teaching, where I will take a poll from the students about what is important to them in the next day's lesson. That allows me to customize my lesson to more effectively engage the students and keep them focused.
All students have access to an online instructor evaluation form that they are encouraged to complete. This is a great tool to improve and revise lesson plans.
Yes, there are evaluations at the end of each course, however, the input needs to be constructive and to parellel the lessons. Frequently it is how an instructor is presenting the material that needs better excecution. If a teacher doesn't know the material or is just reading from a book, that makes it difficult for a student to learn.
Yes! Best way for some of the students to learn, and I also learn from the students as well. Many times allowing me to get better while presenting the material.
I like the feedback thzat different learners can provide. Thier suggestions help provide missing bits of new material to cover or expand on other materials a bit longer
Evaluations do help instructors in understanding the areas they need to work on and their strengths.
Student surveys taken at the end of a course are taken into consideration when considering lesson plan revisions.
Vicki,
I agree. Lesson plans should be created with "flexibility", to provide the instructor with opportunities to implement spontaneous, innovative activities. Restrictive lesson plans do not allow the instructor to actively add material to the course.
Tremayne Simpson
We conduct end of course surveys and take student input into consideration when working on lesson plans for upcoming classes. However, I tell my instructors to be light on their feet--meaning that if they need to do something out of the box to get the students engaged in the class, then by all means do it. If the students express an interest in learning more about a particular topic, perhaps finding a video on the subject or even taking a field trip might be just what the students need to keep them engaged.
The student input is ongoing. If many students end the class with too many questions about the academic material just presented to them, then that is an indication that I may need to follow-up with the class outside of the class (via e-mail) offering them alternative explanations of the same concept. Further, during the very next class session, I will try and address any lingering questions about the prior day's lecture.
KGBishop
Michael,
This is a great idea. Review is always necessary for students, especially in introductory courses. Lesson plans should be created with this in-mind.
Tremayne Simpson
Yes, student feedback is very important. We offer feedback assessments for the course. I also ask students to fill out a survey for me regarding my instructional methods.
We always have a end of class survey to express any concerns they have. I also like to leave some extra room in the lesson plans for extra material students may want to spend time on or repeat information.
