Student feedback helps me to customize the course for individual learning abilities. I have had some great ideas from students in which they may found a particular website that reinforces practical applications in relation to lecture theory.
In addition to direction I have used student feedback during midterms to help establish refocus points. It is the perfect time to evaluate what has been accomplished, where we need to go as a class and it is more than enough time to really get a sense of the students and their needs for development.
This is something that changes from class to class cohort to cohort. they may be different each and every time. this does give me valuable feedback as to how they are learning and if they are understanding the course material.
by keeping things current and keeping them posted on new things..
by keeping theing up to date, whats working for them in how to learn and what is not
Wesley,
It is a powerful thing when students know they have an instructor that is willing to listen to them. Plus, listening is learning because we through listening learn how to change, improve and expand our courses for the betterment of everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
David,
Good for you. The more feedback you have the more information you have to make changes, adjustments and improvements. Also, you expand the respect students have for you because they know you are willing to listen to them and their input.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An instructor has to realize the foucus of the students. A student's individual voice shoudl be heard in a classroom enviornment. An isntructor should want students to speak their mind in a professional manner if there is an issue. Also, an instructor should encourage feedback to benefit a class and a student culture.
Communication is a two way street. It is initiated and received. Asking for feedback will tell you if what you intended to communicate was received. It also provides the student's personal "spin" on what you said. Recognizing that complete comunication occurred is critical in every step of a lesson plan. I ask for feedback 3 or 4 times in each class period.
Jumana,
I agree with you about the value of student feedback. It should be a part of every instructor's professional development plan.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Getting feedback from students is very important as learning is a two way process. They are learning from me and I am learning from them. Getting feedback also helps me to change my teaching strategies so I can explain the material to them better and they can retain it.
It helps me grow as a professional, and lets me know what I'm teaching is being retained by the student.
Instructors get an idea of what works and what doesn’t from student feedback.
When students tell you what they did or didn't like, it is a starting point for "tweeking" your instruction, and points out where you MAY have failed on a point.
Renata,
Good way to bring them back into the learning process. Change of pace and variety helps to keep them engaged throughout the duration of the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I can tell immediately when students are not paying attention in class because they are not engaged and their minds are wandering and not focused. I try to change my tone of voice or stimulate the students with an interesting discussion question or an interesting story.
Todd,
I like to use them as well. They give great insight into how to focus your instructional planning and content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Student surveys can be used to adjust activities and REFOCUS what is what is working in class and what is not getting full involvement of the class.
Rick,
This is how you customize instruction for each group of students. Instructors need to "read" the dynamics of each class and plan accordingly.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Each class you have to direct your teaching or lessons to that individual class. Each class has its own genre' as to how they act and react to lessons. Each class the first day it talk a little to them to see how they react to the questions and answer session and that directs which why I teach the class.
