I would definitely agree each class is different and the feedback that I receive from student I use o improve the course an my delivery of the material i the course.
listening and trully understanding the students via their feed back is the way to make sure that your teaching methods are working. constructive critism comes not only from our employers and our peers, but from the students as well.
Not only is every class different but each student is different. I find student feedback during the class helps me know if my pace of the class is right, or to fast or slow. Sometimes I may make an assumtion that everyone should have a certain amout of background knowledge, but if they don't the feedbacks helps me work the background information into my class. It helps me know if individuals are struggling to keep up with the whole (in wich case I can try to give them more individual attention) I feel student feedback (other than test scores) if vital to keeping all the students learning smoothly.
As a long time educator, I use much of what is presented in this program. I have learned that comfort is key if we want our students to communicate openly with us and the class. Therefore, I work very hard to create a comfort zone for all who enter. I find it takes only a few days for students to relax and become less fearful. It is important to me that they all participate and never have a "stupid question" or "stupid answer". I also meet one-on-one with them at midterm to give them a chance to speak privately and to boost them up as we begin the second half of the term.
Is it a great tool for learning individual's needs. I am please with the feedback I get from students, and I use it to keep myself motivated.
Linda,
What are the ways you get feedback from your students? Always looking for different student feedback methods that instructors can use. Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Student feedback keeps me ever aware of the academic progress, so that I can readily address weaknesses that need to be addressed
Sometimes through student feedback you realize that a concept or lesson did not connect fully.
Loriann,
Good comments about how to use student feedback and an instructional improvement method for ongoing growth.
Gary
Raymond,
Good point about the value that can be derived from student feedback.
Gary
it keeps the instructor informed on the perception of the student
This was a good one Sara. I can honestly say that the feedback at the end of a course dictates whether you need to adjust your methods or know if your current methods are working for you. Great post!
This is so true Anne. The feedback you receive gives you the opportunity to adjust or readjust changes that may be needed. It also allows you to give positive feedback on a scenario so your student feels like your there and your understanding their point of view.
You can easily engage yourself into the students feedback and piggy from there. Once you have acquired information on their thoughts or personal information, you are able to add personal comments pertaining to their feedback.
When I first started teaching, I was afraid of student feedback, but now I look forward to it. It's an opportunity for me to examine my teaching for what it really is. We all love to receive great feedback, but listening to not so great feedback can be challenging. I have to take a deep breath, have an open mind, and know what ever is said will only improve my teaching. At Mid-term I try to have my supervisor or another teacher step in my class to check in with the students so they can express what they need to without me being present. They always have positive things to say about me, but every now and then I will find a comment that makes me re-examine my teaching methods. This particular comment is the most important one because without it, I would lose focus of the students and my teaching will start to fall apart.
Ray
If you receive negative feedback from your students, then clearly, something/material needed a little more clarification. It definitely helps.
Atiya,
All good ways to keep students engaged and focused on the course content and development.
Gary
Feedback provides valuable information.It will help you decide if you are reaching their expectations. You may need to change your approach in order to keep their attention. There is nothing worse than watching a student wonder into another world during a class.
There is constant communication happening. If they have appropriate feedback, they can identify things they may be able to change in order to keep moving forward in class. It also reassures them that they are on the right track. Having an open door policy and making yourself flexible and available gives the student confidence that you care about them and are truly focused on them.
By getting feedback from the students you can view how you are doing as an instructor from the students perspective and then you can make changes in your teaching style as needed.
