Jennifer,
This is a great method for cultivating student input. Likewise, I find that it is also beneficial to ask the opinion of a "struggling" student, to understand their point-of-view. Their input may spark ideas for innovations, that could better adhere to their learning styles.
Tremayne Simpson
We offer end of section course evaluations. Any constructive feedback is taken into consideration when developing plans
I teach accounting. This is a difficult subject for many. Sometimes I will have a student that is understanding the subject better than the others make suggestions to me on what might help the others understand better. I listen to these ideas and incorporate them into my lesson plans when I can or feel I should. I think it is a good idea to pay attention to these ideas because as professionals who are familiar with the subject, sometimes it is hard to see what the student with no knowledge of the subject is thinking.
carolyn,
Do you find their feedback/suggestions to be helpful in planning for the following term?
Tremayne Simpson
yes, I send around a sheet at the end of the term asking students what they liked and didn't like about the class, including the curriculum. I then ask them what was valuable and not valuable in the course.
Diane,
Are you referring to student input or the "Learning Taxonomy" concept?
Tremayne Simpson
Diane,
Indeed, finding a connection with current events or student interests can provide stimulation to the topic that is being discussed. When asking the students for their suggestions/input, I tend to ask for them to provide examples that involve their personal interest. For instance, if they suggest that we should review more case studies, I would give them an opportunity to provide an example of the type that they would like to be implemented.
Tremayne Simpson
Diane,
Thank you for your post. From my experience, when the students feel that they are "active players" in their course, they tend to seem more attentive and engaged in the class discussions and activities.
Tremayne Simpson
Well I would use it; it sounds kind of "tight" like cookie cutter but if I can I do like to change things up from time to time; it keeps the instructor and students fresh.
I also try to speak about the topic and put it towards an item of interest to the students such as sports, fashion, movies etc.
Yes I do allow students to discuss and change lasson plans; this has the students actively engaged and involved and it helps have the students on task and we as a group can back into what was originally on the outline.
Dixie,
It is a great idea to provide your students with the "ground rules" for providing input and suggestions. That way they will understand that it is not a platform to complain or to suggest changes to the general structure of the class. Generally, students feel a great "since of pride" when they believe that their suggestions will be used to benefit the educational experience of future class generations.
Tremayne Simpson
I do invite students to make suggestions, since I'm willing to use whatever works and am always looking for something that will work better. However, I also remind them that we will be bound by standard requirements of safety, school rules, and course objectives. Suggestions are few, but discussion of why some activities work well in one class and not in another and of the meta-intent behind the suggested activity can give students insight into the larger context of the classes they take.
Indirectly, they contribute to my syllabus development in the next term, when I redesign the parts they did not do well and when I analyze what went well for broader application.
Carlos,
Do you ask for their input periodically or consistantly, at the end of each class?
Tremayne Simpson
I try to ask them about the lesson plan in regard to what they liked or disliked and why. Based on their input and relevance I then make adjustments as long as it is beneficial to their learning.
Mary ,
Time constraints will always provide instructors with limiting options, however if we can find periodic opportunities for students to provide their input, they (the students) are usually appreciative to the effort.
Tremayne Simpson
Sometimes if special events are happening and we don't get through as much information as planned, I will change times for testing. For the most part, there is so much information we need to cover, it doesn't allow for a lot of change.
I always enjoy the feed back of the students and always take there ideas and thoughts into advisement when making new lesson plans.
At the end of the term I do comment cards and stedents can write any suggestions, changes or things they especially liked.
I allow them to submit suggestions of how things could be done better via a comment card at the end of each unit.
