I actively encourage feedback from students by asking them what they liked most and what they found most difficult. Sometimes I adjust the lesson plan and spend more time than planned on topics the class may struggle with . My lesson plans are organic, I adapt them to suit the particular strengths and weaknesses of each group.
Janet,
This is a great point. In cases where students are participating in "off-topic" conversations, it is important to try to find a transition to the topic that is more class-related.
Tremayne Simpson
It is a good idea to guide our students to the topic we would like to discuss. Besides, getting input from the students is just getting to know how well they can relate to what they have learned to real life situations.
Renata ,
This is a good approach to evaluating student input. Providing guidelines prior to receiving the feedback is an effective way to format the discussion.
Tremayne Simpson
Alan ,
I agree. Instructors have to take advantage of viable professional development opportunities and actively participate in "industry-related" organizations, to ensure that they are away of the changes in their fields and are able to implement new information into the course.
Tremayne Simpson
Shoaib,
What methods do you use to encourage your students to be "candid" when they are provided their direct opinions?
Tremayne Simpson
I always take into consideration student feedback regarding my teaching methods. I take student feedback into consideration as if they are enjoying a certain method, such as discussion, they may take more out of the class. I am careful to note that their feedback is constructive for the classroom and will only attempt to implement it if so.
Our student's " Intern " for up to three months while going to school as part of their grade. I ask them to keep me informed on any new techniques or equipment they may use or learn. I'll research and will incorporate this into lessons or class discussions.
With the rapid changing of technology in our chosen field it's imperative to stay current for not only students but instructors to remain teachable. A controlled discussion time is useful for student/instructor input.
I integrate my student's input by directly asking for their opinion as well as getting their feedback through survey.
Don ,
I agree. It is important to encourage students to provide feedback, however their suggestions have to be reviewed and must align with the course guidelines. Students also have the ability to "test" their instructors, in this case the could be testing if the instructor is "too quick" to deviate from their plans (based on a suggestion).
Tremayne Simpson
I do listen to suggestions, but restrict adding these to my lesson plans until I have a chance to review.
David,
I agree with setting "professional" expectations in the classroom. Instructors have to prepare their students for the "real world" and it should start with the guidelines of the course. Adequate resources can be provided for the students, however they will have to acquire a skill of "self direction", in order to take advantage of the assistance that is available to them.
Tremayne Simpson
I am available and we have numerous tutors. I strongly encourage, in fact require, all students to get a "study buddy" in my classes. Beyond that, I have very high expectations of my adult students. Preparation in advance of lecture is the key to success.
David,
Is tutoring or additional assistance (i.e. course supplements, digital aides, etc.) available for students that are not able to "keep up" with the delivered course concepts?
Tremayne Simpson
Cameron,
As a suggestion, it may be a good idea to supplement this formal survey with an "open-ended" questionnaire that you can use to gain more detailed, student input.
Tremayne Simpson
No. I teach the class. They try to keep up.
Our students provide feedback via a bi-monthly survey. Unfortunately, the students rate a course on a "1 to 5 scale," so it is impossible to pinpoint the problem if/when ratings are below par.
Joy,
An underrated key to appropriate time management is "flexability". In an active learning environment plans will always need to be altered, therefore an instructor cannot get too concerned if they are not able to cover all of the planned, daily content.
Tremayne Simpson
Certainly! If they feel they need more time in a particular area of the course, I often change my lesson plans to accommodate this.
Conversely, if they mention that it is a topic they are familiar with, perhaps through a prerequisite, I have no problem changing the lesson plan to include other material that they have not already been exposed to.
