Dr. Crews: Student feedback is a very valuable tool that can be used as a source for content value. This feedback can be used to enhance or modify course content making the class more dynamic.
Donna,
Good point. When you see the variety of final grades for students you can reassess the content and how it is offered. Thanks for bringing that point to light. Thanks!
My first reaction is to look at course grades, since exceedingly high or low scores could indicate that the assessment is ineffective or poorly written. Beyond that, quality of portfolios would be a pretty good indicator of whether or not the students were hitting my targets.
David,
Comprehensive feedback is a good goal. Sometimes, especially with writing assignments, I will first grade the assignment for content and give them feedback on what they are missing or where they have too much information and then I let them edit the document and turn it in again. Then, i look at the document a second time for spelling, grammar and format and then they can edit again and turn in a final document. This provides comprehensive feedback but in parts. It takes less time to grade for one thing at a time and still give great feedback to students. Thanks for your input.
Robert,
These are excellent questions to ask students. I also ask student to do the "Stop, Start, Continue" about week 3 and week 8 in a 15 week course. I ask students to list one thing they wish I would stop doing, one thing I should start doing and one thing I need to continue to do. If I can't stop doing whatever they want me to stop doing (like stop giving quizzes), I explain why I can't stop and tie it directly to the learning outcomes. Whatever we do in the class should be helping students achieve the learning outcomes. Thanks for your input.
Karen,
So true. I encourage student feedback on the course and how we are working toward achieving the set learning outcomes. We have to ensure students know what they are working toward. Thanks!
I think student feedback would provide the most comprehensive feedback, since the course would be based on the info I wanted to pass along to the students. Their feedback would give me direct feedback about what they learned and what they thought about it, so I could see how well I wrote the course to give it to them.
Student feedback. A question such as: 1. What do you feel was the most relevant or useful part of this course ... and why? Or:
2. What one thing would you change about this course ... and why?
I think if the environment is created where the student feels comfortable, and therefore will be honest, this information can be of great use.
Dr. Crews: Whether the syllabus and the material were dynamic enough. Allowing the students to provide their feedback I think is the most important feedback.
Jared,
Portfolios can show students' growth along with end of the course/term project. However, make sure you are doing some assessment along the way as well - formative assessment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
In really looking at the different types of evaluations, a portfolio or an end of the term project is the best way that allows the instructor to close the loop. A portfolio or an end of the term project should be a compilation of how the student achieved the course objectives.
Jeremy,
You have a great attitude about getting feedback from students. The revision cycle is a continuous process. Keep it up!
Thanks!
For me I personally love to get the feedback from each class. Their words help to develop the course! However, getting together with other instructors in the same courses has really helped the most. This allows us to compare three different groups of students as to what works and doesn't work for us. We have made great adjustments working together!
Cherise,
I do like using portfolios and know many others that do as well. However, they can be difficult to assess sometimes. But, I think it's well worth the effort. Nice job.
The first thought that came to mind was a portfolio. However if a portfolio contains the best work of a student, does it actually close the loop. It can, if it is a progression of the student's work, and the instructor is evaluating throughout the entire process.
Jacqueline,
Good point. It depends on the students, assignment, instructor and content. It's good to think about all of this. Thanks for brining this up.
Michael,
Feedback in a variety of types helps the students improve. Peer- and self-assessment are helpful as well.
Thanks for your input.
I really think this would depend on what is being evaluated, such as the course itself. Typically, grades are used as a means of evaluation. I have facilitated classes and pretest and posttests were used. I sort of have a bias with assignments and exams. Again, it does depends on the course.
In looking at different types of feedback, the one that would be most comprehensive would be the evaluations from students/along with peers. They would provide the most unbiased assessment of the subject matter at hand.
Mark,
Totally agree that quantitative and qualitative feedback both bring "something to the game." When we get feedback from different parties, we do get information from different aspects and that is beneficial.
Thanks!
