If you look at it like an attack then it is hard. However if you look at it like an opportunity to excel it is just a tool
By getting student feedback an instructor can either change the way they are presenting information to better serve the class or even change the plans for the remainder of the course.
An instructor needs to keep in mind that their instruction is only valuable if the student can understand and relate to it.
In just the same way that we as instructors give our students feed back in the form of tests and assessments, it is essential that teachers receive an ongoing assessment from the students to make sure that we are teaching in the manner that focuses on all our student's needs.
The feedback allows the instructor to evaluate the learning process of the students. If the students are not learning the objectives of the class, this is an opportunity for the instructor to adjust their instructional and delivery methods. The instructor may need to use blended learning methods, a variety of teaching methods, or a different method from the one previously used. Keeping a focus on the student is important because that is the reason the instructor is there in the first place. I always approach feedback as a gift used to help me be a better teacher to my students. If the students are not learning, then I am not doing a good job of conveying the material. Student feedback allows me to evaluate myself in how the material is presented.
Hi Jamie,
Good way to bring perspective to student feedback. It is important to read all feedback and try and glean out the parts that will help you to improve as an instructor. This is true for beginning instructors as well as those that have been at it for many years. We all need input on how we can do a better job teaching.
Gary
Viewing student feedback can be difficult. Some may even experience anxiety in doing so. However, remember it is not a personal attack. I learn much more from negative feedback than I do from the positive feedback. Though it is more fun to read the positive things that people have to say about your instructional methods you still have to look at the bad.
Now when you look at constructive criticism it can be a good thing as well. It can give you pointers on where you may be loosing student interest or may present a new and different view on a teaching method that isn't working. You can then change, tweak and improve the course in my opinion from negative feedback comments. Thus, allowing the course to evolve over time to rise to new and even better higher standards.
Hi Jerry,
How do you solicit questions from your students so you can "read" their understanding and learn where you need to share additional content?
Thanks.
Gary
questions will let you know what they are grasping of information you are putting out
see what they are grasping by the questions they are asking
Student feedback gives you a realistic perspective of YOUR performance in the classroom. Sometimes, as an instructor, you may preceive how much or how little students have learned. When students give feedback on what they learned in your class, there is no guessing. This helps instructors tailor their lesson plans. If something is working, obviously they keep doing it. If something is not working, or getting through to all students, it may be time to switch up a certain lesson plan.
their feedback will let you know as an instructor, how they are feeling about the course you are teaching
Hi Jody,
This is the way to continually improve your instructional delivery and content selection. By listening all of us instructors can take in feedback and then develop our instruction from that. Good point.
Gary
I ask the hard questions. I literally as if I could have done or given more to my students. Then I adjust my delivery if possible. I want to give them what the need and more. Sometimes its not easy to hear them say "I would have liked to hear or read more about "X" " But, this works for me. It helps me improve my instruction to as for feedback from my students.
Student feedback, for the most part, reflects how students are progressing through the class material, and how well I am presenting it. Noting their attitudes and challenges may help me to refocus on their needs instead of only thinking about the content of the class.
Feed back is important and helps you stay focused because it allows you to understand how much of what you’ve taught has sunk in with your students. It will allow you to go back over topics that the students did not grasp and teach in a new way.
Every term my students evlaluate my teaching and instuctions. This allows me allows me to focus directly to their needs and better serve them.
I agree that sometimes a single student may simply be angry but even their feedback is important to consider to understand why they were angry and possibly try to prevent other isolated incidents like it. If multiple students are voicing concerns about something, it most certainly should be reflected upon and changes should be made.
Bottom line: As students learn better and can be more successful with feedback, it is the same way for the instructor. In order to improve, we must listen to what the students are saying.
Hi Diana,
I think this is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of the class. Thank you for sharing it with us. I know it will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Every class day I ask for exit and entry cards. One side has things they learned or their "a-ha" moment in class or doing assignments. The other side has questions they still want answered or things they want me to review. This daily feedback helps keep me in tune to their needs and gives me a quick assessment to what they have learned.
Hi Sheila,
The key is just as you mention the willingness to listen and growth must be a part of every instructor's professional development plan.
Gary
