Dale,
Do you have a desired format for receiving student feedback (i.e. survey, questionnaire, etc.)?
Tremayne Simpson
The purpose of a course is to enhance the student's career success. Thus, I welcome student input that facilitates the usefulness of a course.
Assessments of learning are very helpful in determining whether (and to what degree) a course is enhancing student's career success.
Often there is more than one method for presenting material. A particular method that works for one group of students may not work as well for a different group. So, I try to have more than one method available in my "toolbox" and to choose that method that I think will have the greatest potential for overall success, given the nature of the students and class.
There also can be secondary benefits of feedback. For example, I recently taught a Business Law class to paralegal students. One student in particular did not seem to enjoy ANY of the variety of methods I used. Our conclusions: A. She is going to be a successful paralegal, but B. She is not going to be happy working in business law. She simply needs to find a different area of law that is more interesting for her.
I allow this dynamically meaning anytime a student can (respectfully) contribute feedback about my lesson plan.
Roger,
This is a great method for increasing the survey response rate. Have you received favorable response percentages, by using this method?
Tremayne Simpson
Well I have tried a few different things and found making it a homework assignment seems to work the best. The survey opens 4 days befor the end of term and all they need to do is print the final sheet that says "thank you for taking this survey" they sign it and turn it in
Alexandra,
This is a unique method for receiving student input. Are the less popular topics rescheduled for another day or discarded altogether?
Tremayne Simpson
Roger,
What methods do you use to encourage your students to participate in the end of term survey? For most instructors, generally there is a challenge with getting high student survey completion rates.
Tremayne Simpson
I usually list three different options regarding supplemental activities that correspond to the overall class objectives for the day on the board and ask the class to vote. This helps me to pick the activity they feel is most relevant. It also helps me to keep the class engaged for the entire class.
We also offer end of term survies I personaly take feed back at the end of each week on any ideas
Carol,
Do you have a specific method for attaining student feedback in your courses, other than standard course reviews?
Tremayne Simpson
Carol,
I also follow this method, in regards to student feedback. It is important to have flexability with course lesson plans, so that there can be opportunities for revision.
Tremayne Simpson
Hello,
I agree. Student feedback must meet course objectives.
Carol Myslinski
Hello,
I usually make revisions based on feedback I receive at the middle and end of the course. If were need to catch up on an assignment, future lesson plans might need to be adjusted.
Carol Myslinski
David,
I also use a similar approach to solicit student input. I remind them that it is similar to voting and as "student citizens" they have a right to contribute their opinion and provide "positive" or "negative" input on the course. Instructors should only encourage students to participate and never use incentives to gain their participation, because their feedback may not be authentic.
Tremayne Simpson
The last few days of class I start telling students that there will be a course evaluation available on the portal. I then explain to them that with their input can result in changes in the class, and give them a few examples of recent changes. At the end of each class I always make the class computer available for them to use. Not too much worry about regulation, they only do it if they want to.
Jeanne,
I agree. I generally conduct a short learning styles inventory for my "100 level" students on the first day of class and use the information to teach them about the various categories. This is helpful for me, because I can find ways to address their individual learning styles, by varying the types of activities that I provide to the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Yes. I feel that student input is critical. Students have different learning styles. It is important to listen to each of your students needs in order to be able to help them understand and meet the objectives of the class.
Crystal,
This is a great "macro-leveled" approach to garner student feedback. We also have a student council, however they rarely discuss concerns from a "course level". In this context, instructors/administration may see common themes amongst students, that could lead to a potential change in course/program curricula.
Tremayne Simpson
Of course. We administer course surveys at the end of each module as well as post-grad surveys that include sections for alum to give feedback on how well prepared they were in real-world applications/job settings and what could we as an Institute can do better.
We also constitute an "open door policy" for students to discuss concerns, constructive criticism as well as praise.
Another valuable insight to student input is electing student representatives that meet monthly with student services in which they can feel comfortable requesting course-relative workshops/field trips/guest speakers, etc. that we, as an administration, always take into consideration.
Sean,
I agree that end of course evaluation feedback can be very helpful in developing lesson plans. I always encourage my students to complete the "open-ended" portion of the survey, for specific details.
Tremayne Simpson
