Any ideas for obtaining student feedback on Instructor proformance?
One of the best ways to improve as an Instructor is student feedback evaluation. As a new instructor what are some ways to obtain student feedback throughout the course other than direct questioning?
Hi Marc,
Good method to get feedback enabling you to make course corrections as needed. This shows you as being a responsive instructor.
Gary
At the end of my course, students have the opportunity to evaluate the course content, the program and me as an instructor. Throughout the course I put a question at the end of each test asking, "what do you like about the course?, what do you think can be improved upon?" With the answers I receive, I am able to make adjustments while the students are still in class. The customization of the course fo the students has increased the overall course rating at the end.
I also have built into the last week of class the ability for all students to complete an on-llne course evaulation. These evaluations are used to not only by me as the instructor to tweak the information being taught or the manner in which I have used to teach but also for the school as they also review them to get feed back on other issues that a student may provide that does not relate to me as the instructor but rather to the school regarding equipment or space. They like having the ability to do it on-line as the world of technology is the norm for so many students out there, young & older alike.
Hi Carrie,
That is right. You can't change anything once the course is completed. So having the input throughout the course really helps you to stay on top of the learning needs of your students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
At our college after a 6 week rotation, we have a computer survey through zoomerang which has questions ranking issues, content, instructor, etc. There are also several boxes for open ended comments posted with no names. When I instruct students on the surveys, I remind them that I look at them all and do consider the input. When the rotation begins, I also tell students that even though there is a survey at the end of the course, if there are issues we could deal with now, they should feel free to talk to me. I can't do much about a concern after the fact.
Our activities are pretty much set and I don't think the cards would do a lot of good in that instance, but I can see if you had a little flexibility in your class room activities, it would sure be beneficial.
Hi James,
You covered exactly why I use the 3x5 card system in all of my classes. I can make adjustments while I have the students. This way I can keep a class from going off course and get the end results that I want from my students.
Gary
I agree. After each course (3 weeks) the students are allowed to fill out a survey and rate the instructor, course content, test questions, tools and training aids. The unfortunate part of this process is that at that point it is too late to do anything about that class. The 3x5 cards workgreat for me also. I usually do this at the end of the first week of three if I feel like there might be a problem in the class. I don't use it for every course.
Hi John,
One of the best ways is to hand out 3x5 cards after a lesson or the completion of a project. Have the students evaluate the lesson or project. Tell them that you are asking for their input to see if the activity is of merit for the course and their efforts. They don't put their names on the cards so there is no risk to the students. I use this all the time and it helps me to take the pulse of the class. I then can make any changes I see that I need to make. I have not had any one write anything inappropriate or make any attacks toward me. Their comments have all been constructive. You can use this as little or as often as you need to to make sure you are targeting your instruction.
Gary
