Every quarter I seem to have one student whose feedback keeps me recharged. These are great students to have, and I feel extremely lucky to have such a good student.
On the other hand, in an online platform, many students seem to give me the idea that since I am not present, means I don't have feelings. The general feedback I give on the assignment, one student has said is derogatory and condescending. Another student said it was hostile!
I think these students just want to vent that they did not receive a 100%. Perhaps they do not have manners to just accept the feedback and use the feedback constructively to improve. I guess they do this to their instructors they don't know, as it happens the first lesson of a two-week class.
I think it is customary to have students vent negativity, when they aren't getting 100% on their scores.
What are your thoughts, and what would your reaction be to being called hostile, derogatory and condescending, and even racist? When I first started teaching, one student called me a racist. I felt the student wanted to discourage me from teaching.
It is not my intent be any of these "names", and feel that this sort of thing from students happens all the time.
Kellie,
Student feedback is so valuable so the more of it you can have the better. Your method gives you information that can be used to adapt anything that might need to be changed. This is a great idea that other instructors can used in their classes to gain insight into what students are thinking.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have my students fill out a survey card at mid term of each class to check out how I am doing. For the most part it is all good however, there are times it is very useful for making some changes.
Student feedback provides me as an instructor with both negative and positive concerns. As an instructor I must revisit the negative concerns and focus on making adjustments for students success.
I think student feedback gives us an opportunity for reflection. We should use it to make adjustments to our way of teaching, classroom environment, and school appearance.
We receive some student feedback in an informal way during class time, simply based on participation and engagement. The end-of-course survey, however, has helped me to improve my teaching methods. Surveys are somewhat anonymous, so they provide an honest assessment.
Michelle,
Good point. Feedback is how we bring about instructional improvement and growth. The more feedback we have the more we can integrate value into the courses we teach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Feedback helps you to adjust your teaching methods if need be. It also lets you know what is reaching the students and how much they are retaining.
Eric,
Thank you for these comments about the value of student feedback. It is how we bring improvement to our courses as well as make adjustments that help to keep the course on target.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
How can student feedback help you to keep your focus on your students?
Student feedback is a great tool to keeping the instruction oriented on the students. It's also beneficial when student supervisors can be surveyed as well to ensure that the course content is appropriate for educating their employees.
Angela,
Very true and this is why we need to get their feedback on a regular basis. This way we can expand our own knowledge and expertise as educators.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rachele,
I agree and use student feedback a lot in my classes, especially after projects and quizzes. This way I get their candid opinions so I can make any needed adjustments.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A student may have a different perspective on an assignment that can further your own learning and aid in your ability to be a better teacher.
I enjoy student feedback as it helps me be aware of what teaching methods work and what methods do not.
Harlan,
My college has formal feedback surveys that use bubbles just as you say and I find them of no value, though the college uses them for faculty evaluations. The real feedback for me comes from my students when we complete a project, exam or special activity. I give them a 3X5 card and have them respond to several questions about the topic on which I want feedback. They do not put their names on the cards. In all of my years of teaching I have never received any nasty feedback. What I have received is feedback both positive and negative that has helped me to do a better job of teaching. I have the students fill out the cards 4 or 5 times during the course so the feedback is ongoing. What I don't like about the bubble surveys is that they are done at the end of the course when the students are focused on completing their projects and taking the final exam so they just fill in the bubbles so they can get out of the classroom and get on with their other work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
how serious can you take these feedback surveys when you know they are just filling in bubbles. I don't put to much weight into them.
Student feedback helps me to understand what I need to improve on or focus more on the next time I teach the same course or to change my teaching style as I go to help my continuing students understand.
Dave,
Thank you for sharing the value of student feedback. You are right it is from which we improve our courses and implement new strategies and delivery formats. The students appreciate the fact that we instructors are willing to listen to them and seek their feedback.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Student feedback helps us fine tune the presentation of the subject at hand to make it easier for them to absorb; every class is different, we have to adjust to them. By promoting feedback we also encourage students to not hold back on a thought or idea; sharing with the group helps everyone.
Shannon,
Student feedback is how we improve our courses and support our students. Also, as you mention students appreciate it when you ask for their input and feedback.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
