Teresa,
Look for repeated comments from students. I use the 10% rule in terms of student feedback. When 10% of my students comment on an activity, requirement or assessment then I look carefully at what I am requiring or doing so I can make adjustments or modifications. As instructors we need to look for ways to improve our instruction but we can't get bogged down in making changes if we have one student that is unhappy. The squeaky wheel does get the grease but that squeaky wheel is not going to turn the entire vehicle.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ryan,
Like the way you approach evaluating your students and giving them feedback. By taking the time to comment on their work you are giving them direction and support which leads to growth. This increases the value of the course for them while giving you the satisfaction of a job well done.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
what are some ways to use all the student feedback to refocus your teaching methods without leaving anyone out?
By providing positive reinforcing feedback it can ensure that my focus on educating them stays a priority. Simply grading an assignment does nothing to stay focued. Taking the time to think about and write responses to the students will ensure that I have their performance on my mind.
Mary,
Feedback is the foundation for our growth. The more we can listen to and get feedback from our students the more accurate we can be in our selection of instruction and activities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Asking for student feedback helps the instructor maintain a student-centered approach to teaching. If the feedback is negative, the instructor should reevaluate his/her teaching methods and find one that is more effective for the class.
Jennifer,
I agree about the value of feedback. Through feedback both the instructor and the students are keeping up to date on the course and how it is going. Students know where they are in terms of course status and instructor learn how effective they are being in terms of content sharing. Good feedback is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
David,
Thank you for sharing this strategy with us. I think this is a great way to stay on top of how your students are processing the material you are sharing. I know this method will be valuable to other instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think feedback is very important to student learning and focus. I think students appreciate it when they see things they have suggested in class. I constantly ask for feedback to improve my lectures. It is extremely helpful and the feedback has tremendously improved the way I teach.
Every couple of weeks I use "The Muddiest Point" - this allows students to simply give me 2 - 3 things that they feel are going well and 2 - 3 things that they are still unclear on. This feedback helps me refocus my lessons; I might need to revisit a concept or I might learn that my pacing can pick up a bit. The feedback is anonymous so students can feel comfortable telling me what is working/not working for them.
Feedback from students will help me to assess my teaching style if it is effective or not in that particular class. It gives me time to at least adjust and get back their enthusiasm in the course by catching their attention and excitement again.
Theresa,
I collect student input throughout my courses so I can stay on top of what is working in the class and what I can do to improve the engagement of my students. You are right about the need for us instructors to keep our fingers on the pulse of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mark,
Student feedback is so important to instructional improvement. It is how we know how and where to make adjustments to benefit our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sometimes it is hard to see everyone's needs in your class or it might be "Scary" for them to speak out and say they don't understand or they are not following. Surveys through the course that are anonymous are good for the students and teachers
i try to stay in touch with my students. if i receive no feedback, i wont be able to know if i may be teaching over their head. Feedback insures that my students understand what im teaching
Melissa,
Feedback is essential for course improvement. This is how we get better in our delivery and choice of content that is presented. I get feedback from my students on a regular basis throughout the course so I can make any adjustments that may need to be made and stay student centered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Getting feedback has helped me in thinking differently about terms and/or situations. Remember information I may have forgotten to go over in class. How to approach students differently with learning stratagies.
Bonita,
Yes it does and the result will be more engaged and focused students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bonita,
Student feedback is a powerful improvement tool for instructors. The more feedback we get from our students the more accurately we are able to understand our course and how we can deliver instruction in an effective and efficient manner.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is true, having this information allows the instructor to modify the pace of instruction.
