Karen,
I am always amazed at what students pick up on. In your case something a minor as three keys jingling together while you were writing on the board became a big think with this student. Knowing things like this helps us all to get better at our craft.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lynne,
I use feedback a lot in my courses so I can make adjustments as needed while the course is in session. I have found that the end of the course evaluations have little value because the students that wrote the comments are gone. I like to hear from them while the course is going on so I can make changes if needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Richard,
Good way to use the midterm grades to the benefit of both you and your students. This increases the value of having the grades and the results that can come out of them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had a divided class. One part of the class from the first day did not want to be in the class and did everything imaginable including a failed attempt to have the majority of students boycott the final exam. I had tried to work with this group of students one on one, by changing up the materials used in the course, I enforced all the rules when they were broken to show leadership, and I even went to my program chair for assistance. Very little positive response from the students.
The remaining students loved the course and kept telling me how much they were learning, applying theory to the news and what they observed, and never realized how theory applies to real life scenarios. I cannot tell you how grateful I was to have them in my class. To see them progress every week and show that they were receiving the tools necessary to move forward.
Sometimes I have to wonder if there are students out there that regardless what you do to assist them, they are determined to remain contrary.
We have, in the past, had our students do anonymous instructor evaluations. The feedaback is great. Positive and negative comments can both help to improve my teaching skills. One student wrote that she was very happy with me, but my "jingling keys" drove her crazy! I had no idea. I stopped wearing my keys (only 3) around my wrist. They used to jingle when I wrote on the white board.
As an instructor, I want all my students to be successful. I find that I often focus on the students who I feel are not "catching on". This may be seen as a waste of time by other students who do not need the extra review. By requesting frequent feedbaack, I can get a better idea of how the class as a whole is progressing. I may decide to move on with a topic, and request that students who are still not confisdent in their knowledge to see me for tutoring outside of class.
Having students break into smaller groups for in-class projects is a great way for students to help their classmates. Someone may be able to present a concept in a different fashion, helping all involved. I can circulate through the class and get an idea of how well students are doing on a particular tpoic or problem.
With homework assignments as well as in-class assignments, I get an idea of what concepts I need to review in class or lab before formal testing. Some groups may do better with powerpoint presentations, for the added visuals, while other groups say they don't care much for that form of presentation.
Because, our feedback should be focused on helping that particular student improve or understand. It is easy to become robotic when you are grading the same assignment for a large number of students. But, if you can provide good feedback, it will help you focus in on the student's needs.
Tom
Student feedback helps you get a feel for what the students are learning/retaining. They may be doing worse than you thought and this gives you the ooportunity to step back and re-evaluate your teaching method.
Midway through the course, the students recieve their midterm grades. These grades help them know where they need to focus. I ask them to give me a midterm grade so I know where I need to focus also.
Ren,
Good way to keep improving and refining your course. The more information (feedback) from which you can benefit the better your delivery will become.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
With feedback I can assess the level of competence in all my students. I will take the students who 'get it' and ask them for their input which allows the other class members to see the topic/subject from a different light, perspective or even jolts a memory from them. Now they can interact and apply the topic/subject.
when you give feedback to you students you are showing concern for them as a student by consciously responding and stressing to them your points of view personally and academically.
Regina,
As the learning leader you are shaping and directing the course. By getting student input you are showing respect for them and their opinions. You are right they become more invested when they feel they have a say in certain aspects of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not only is every class different, every week is different. Sometimes, the students just need to have more of a voice. Asking them if they want to take the quiz a day early when the material is fresh in their minds, or if they need an additional study guide, is another way of letting them know they are respected and their opinion matters. In the final analysis, it's easier to control a class if they have a say in the order of it.
Frances,
Student feedback is critical for instructional improvement as well as letting our students know we value their input. As a result everyone benefits.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is, afterall, who we are addressing on a daily basis! No different than a movie being critiqued. This helps us to grow as instructors, and be better, hopefully!!!!
Christine,
It is through student feedback we can learn how effective we are and what modifications we need to make. This information gives up a great venue for course improvement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Getting student feedback is important tool to allow you to evaluate how you're doing as the instructor or advisor. What can come out of feedback is not only how well you are delivering the information, but it can also bring out misperceptions of the industry you are educating the students about. You can also discover the misperceptions the students may have about the services they are provided or not provided in their eyes. All in all, receiving feedback is a great tool to reaffirm the material is being taught in the right way, and it can create opportunity for additional instruction/education.
Yolanda,
Right you are. This is how we determine if we are meeting the students learning needs for our course. We need to get feedback from our students on an ongoing basis throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Erika,
Checking for understanding needs to be an ongoing part of our instructional planning. If our students are not "getting it" we are of no value to them. We have to connect with them on an ongoing basis if we are going to be effective as instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
