Student evaluations help
Consistent monitoring and evaluation helps me keep course content fresh for the students. On average, I conduct a student survey every other term to help me assess the relevance of the course information. They have a lot to offer in terms of course content and are often excited about influencing the course for future classes. This tool definitely helps in the planning and preparation phase of developing course content.
Hi Hilary,
You are right about receiving feedback. We need to make it a part of our professional development plan so we can continue to improve as instructors.
Gary
Great idea. Getting feedback on how you're doing isn't always comfortable but overall, evaluations are helpful. At my school, mid-quarter faculty evals are mandatory. Administration facilitates these and give students tips and suggestions on how to give constructive feedback beforehand. I think this cuts down on overly general answers.
Hy Gary,
I am a culinary arts instructor. In my situation informal evaluations work well. This is done throughout the class. I also feel that the students need to evaluate them selves before giving them feedback. This tells me what the student had learned from a specific lesson. We need to know if the student knows they made a misstake or if they know they did a specific task correctly.
Hi Lev,
I use informal evaluations throughout my courses for the reasons you expressed. I get candid comments that help me to improve my selection of assignments and activities.
Gary
Great idea,
I do formal and informal student evaluation for each class.
I find that students are much more forthcoming with the informal evaluations.
Hi Jeffery,
By seeking feedback from your students you are learning how the course is being perceived and how to improve on it. This is what professional development is all about.
Gary
