Student feedback helps to give insights into what the student's learning needs are so that I can adapt in various ways to make it easier or more fun for the student.
I really appreciate anonymous student feedback. I always go back and tweak my areas of instruction where I got the most comments. Before the students do the evaluation of my teaching abilities I let them know to be very open about their opinions and that I do take the bad with the good because it all helps to make me a better instructor.
The student feedback always brings me back to the fact that I have my job because of them and that I want to help them learn as much material as possible during the time that them are spending with me.
Yes I agree with you here, each group of students is totally different from the prior group which certainly helps to keep us on our toes.
Caroline
Student feedback is a great ways to self-evaluate. In my teaching, I work to be mindful of my position as a role model therefore, I regularly strive to improve my teaching by seeking student feedback. I love constructive feedback because it has helped me consider new and creative ways to make the course material more relevant and interesting. Feedback also encourages me seek different teaching methods that may accommodate a variety of learning styles.
Teaching is about my students. They are a wealth of information. I can't tell you how many times I "thought" a new activity was wonderful only to discover by student feedback it was a bomb! My students tell me what works and what doesn't!
Student feedback is very important. I always try to have the assignment back the next class period if possible. This way they can review the areas where they may have to spend a little bit more of their focus in order to fully prepare for the test. It also helps focus me if many students weren't clear on a topic. It then tells me that I must clarify the topic and take a new approach on explaining it. it also is a good medium to build rapport with students and establish a means of communication. Feedback also can help students gain confidence in their skills.
Feedback is a way to focus on the needs of each student. Some need help with basic writing skills, while some may need help with deciding what is to be cited. Others may need help with editing, or expanding their thoughts. There are students on all levels of writing experience in our classes. We should be aware of this and make an attempt to tailor our feedback to best help our students.
Hi Vivian,
I know you are going to benefit from the 3X5 card feedback method. It has worked for me over the years because the feedback is accurate and candid.
Gary
Hi Delia,
Good point about student feedback. How do you get feedback from your students? Once you get the feedback how do you use the information to incorporate changes in your instructional delivery?
Gary
It tells you what works and what doesn’t. I don't think it always has to be so formal. I know when I leave each class if it was good or not. You have to know how to read your students. However, I do think getting formal feedback is a good idea as well. I am going to try the 3x5 cards.
Student feedback is real important to me because it gives me knowledge on what I am doing right and what I can improve on to make learning more effective.
Student feedback can help keep my focus on the students by giving me insight into the life events contributing to their class particpation (or lack thereof). Since many of my students have been out of school for some time, their lives are full of commitments: work, spouses, children, parents, family members, friends, churches, etc. In asking for feedback and paying attention to the students' reactions, I can get a feel for the students' focus levels, interest levels, and understanding. Knowing a little bit about each student's personal life also gives me a way to connect with them on a more personal level.
Student feedback helps me to identify the student needs and issues that they might be facing while participating in my online classes. By understanding the issues they are facing, I can determine what kind of support I can offer. This can include changing the hours or days that I can be available to assist them with the course materials.
For instance, I had one student that only could work on his assignments after midnight due to his work schedule. I scheduled tutoring sessions that corresponded to the time he was available.
Small group discussion. All the students have more input during these discussions.
Hi Shamala,
What are the forms of feedback that your students seem to value most?
Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Student feedback is important because it helps the instructor know what is important to the student and how they learn best.
Feedback from students also show improvement in their assignments & quizzes.
The most important thing that student feedback provides me is an understanding of what they have learned in the class. One problem that an instructor can encounter is focusing only on the instructional goals and the material to be covered. It is important to adjust your teaching to the students' knowledge and understanding. Two methods that I use to evaluate student understanding is exit cards and KWL charts.
It allows me to evaluate myself as a teacher. Sometimes students have insight into a course or a teaching method that I only know from an instructor's point of view. Student feedback is a part of acknowledging a student and being a good listener. The more we listen, the more effectively we teach.
It can allow you to see how you are reaching every student, and if there is a disconnect, then refocus your efforts in making sure every student is learning effectively.
