Student feedback can help an instructor keep their focus on each student because it'll allow you to see who's gettin the information.
Mike,
Wow, you have a tremendous amount of time spent in front of students. I have taught for over 30 years and I had never stopped to think how many hours I had in student contact. These kinda of hours show us that we need to always be prepared to teach, excited that we get to and want to improve each time we start a new course. Sounds like you have such an attitude. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have been an instructor for 9 years and have spent over 11,000 hours in front of a classroom. I have received 1000s and 1000s of evaluations. I am a great instructor because I act on negative feedback. I determine if the criticism is valid and if so I make changes. I am a melting pot of student suggestions and my students learn from my classes because I have learned from them how to teach well.
Student feedback is a great way to keep the class involved and excited. Everyone should get to talk.
Edward,
Good point. There is a saying that reflects this very well. "When you are talking you are not learning." So the more we listen the more we are going to learn about our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When you have a two way discussion, you as an instructor are more apt to pick up on potential problems or successes within the class.
I take the time to really listen to my student as what has worked and what hasn't work for them during various courses. I then evaluate the data and then readjust couses if needed. Meeting the needs of the students, as well as the requirement of the courses is the key for the classes.
What the students have to say about the course content and the teaching methods can help gain insight on strengths and weaknesses. I myself am a new instructor and it will help be greatly when I can get feedback on how to make my class more exciting. I plan on revamping my lesson plan and to try to constantly make the class better each term based on my own experiences with each different class and what the students have to say about the class. It will be very interesting to compare my teaching methods with later classes and see what still should be improved.
Debra,
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you got some ideas that you can use with your students. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
By checking in on my student's reaction to lessons, it will give me ideas on how to continue or adjust my teaching methods.
I have picked up on some ideas in this section of the course that I definitely will use in my next teaching module.
I particularly like the ideas that were given of empowering my students.
Many thanks.
Each class of student is differnt. One works for one class may not work best for another class. You always have to be on the lookout to see what will work best for the class.
Beth,
Good reminder for instructor to make a part of their educational development. This where continued instructional development comes from.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I encourage student feedback after every class. I enjoy the surveys that the students fill out after each quarter. It truly helps me keep a pulse on my teaching and helps me to think of ways to always improve
I am always asking my students for feedback during and after they have taken my classes. Not only showing them you care, but also using the feedback to fine tune my approach and methods are evident when asking for feedback from your students.
bY BEING VERY ATTENTIVE, AND QUESTIONING THE MENTALLY CHALLENGING RESPONDS.
Getting feedback from students can be helpful to see how you are teaching. Not all feedback from students is helpful thought. Distill what they have said and then see if anything can be put into practice.
Ivelisse,
You are right. They can give you valuable insight on how to increase the effectiveness of your instruction.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel that the feedback I get from my student can help me change the teaching methods that may not be working with them.
In the past I haven't asked for much student feedback, but now, following this course, I plan to do just that. I can see how distributing the small cards for a brief assessment would be helpful for several reasons. First, it does the intended; gathers the students opinion. Second, gives the instructor input for changes that might need to be made in either classroom presentation or course progress. And last, what I like most about soliciting feedback from the student is that it lets them know they are important and that their opinion is valuable. This is another way to continue the development of rapport.
Jennifer,
I agree with you about the need and value of student feedback. I will give my students 3X5 cards and have them write comments about a project or assignment that they just completed. They give me candid input so I can change, improve or leave as is the assignment or project. They like to do this because they know they are helping other students that will be taking the course in the future.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
