Student feedback allows you to take what the student suggest and apply it to your class
I feel that people generally always appreciate feedback because they are reaffirmed their ideas are being read, heard, etc.
When I give feedback I always try to start off positive and also end on a positive note. I think students appreciate this.
Students should always be an instructors main focus and by evaluating their work and providing them feedback helps you realize where they are at and what they need work on.
Hi Christian,
What are some of the ways you have taken student feedback and made changes in your instructional delivery?
Gary
This is a great way to gauge how you are doing. As an instructor you don't get to see how well you are doing. Student feedback gives you an inside point of view through the eyes of a student. This allows you to focus on our weakness.
It helps me lookback on how to make the class better for the next classes to come.
Ifeel for the most part the student needs something from me and should let me know if I do not meet his/her needs.
Hi Melissa,
By being willing to receive feedback and then make changes if possible you are reflecting a very positive professional attitude needed by all educators. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I think student feedback helps me focus on the students because it lets me hear directly from them how they feel about the course, the policies, and the methods I use. Students hange, technology chages, the times change, and teachers need to be flexible and change with our ever-changing world of students, techniques, and academia.
I think that sometimes, as instructors we need to take a step back and realize that our students are the reason we are employed. We come to work everyday not only because it is our job, but to play a part in helping our students achieve their dreams. One of the most valuable parts of the quarter for me is receiving the student feedback at mid-quarter. It helps me take that step back and see how things are going. I value the opinions of my students and want to make the course all that they expect it to be. If there is negative feedback, I do all I can to turn that comment into positive feedback by the end of the quarter.
Student feedback helps me to recognize the good and not so good points of the class. From these comments, and of course according to what was said, I'm able to modify or tweak the classroom experience for the student. As was already stated in another post, one has to distinguish between lashing out and credible criticism.
Hi Mark,
One concern I would have with every class feedback is that the students would see it as being routine and just put something down to get it done. It would be overkill in my opinion. This is why I like to get feedback that is spread out over the course.
Gary
Hi Mark,
This method of getting feedback from students has been very valuable to me in professional development since it is not a snapshot but a long exposure to what is going on in the course.
Gary
Student feedback of the standardized sort we must realize likely has an intended purpose that is different from what Dr. Meers describes as keeping "your focus on your students."
My institution uses midquarter student feedback to intervene and make corrections of instructors and to make instructor retention decisions. If student feedback scores are below a certain threshold, then the instructor will not be asked to teach again.
Some instructors at my institution have anonymous feedback forms that they use _at the end of every class period_. They ask:
1. Describe one thing that was discussed today that is now more clear to you.
2. Describe one thing that was discussed today that is still unclear to you.
3. Describe something that could be improved with today's presentaiton.
Now, I don't use this approach myself, but I am considering it. I admire those who do. It allows these instructors to adapt with every class session based upon the feedback of the last session.
I like the sound of having three opportunities for feedback. This approach allows us to adapt and gives us more opportunities for improvement.
Just as students prefer to have their grade be based upon their work throughout the quarter, with incremental progress updates, so do we.
Hi Michelle,
The key in getting feedback is to process it in the context of improving the course. You make a very good point about even though students say it should be changed or dropped that will not occur. (your example--homework). The approach I take is to explain that even though I appreciate their input I will continue to do a certain thing because it is required by the school, a state regulation, good learning practice, etc. By giving the students an explanation I have found that they are very understanding of why something is done and why it will continue. They become invested in the course even when something they wanted isn't done exactly like they wanted it.
Gary
Student feedback is really important to my teaching. I use a method that I learned about from a colleague of mine called "Start, Stop, Continue." I have students fill this out in class anonymously, and then we discuss the results together. Students have an opportunity to give ideas for methods we should start, parts of class that we should stop, and areas that they would like to continue. Students know that just because they say we should stop something does not necessarily mean that we will (i.e. homework), but everything will be taken into consideration for the remainder of the quarter. I like this method because students have an ownership in the class.
I also go through the mid-quarter evaluations very carefully that our school gives out. Negative comments are never easy to read, but they do help me to tweak my teaching methods to make the rest of the time successful and meaningful. Postive comments are always great!
I make it a practice to ask a new class the first day if there is anything they want to discuss concerning their schooling . Some classes have had bad experiences with other instructors or support staff that they are willing to discuss. This has helped me steer away from potential problems.
Hi Kevin,
Way to keep your finger on the pulse of the class as well as getting feedback on your instructional efforts. This way you can make any changes you need to to keep the students engaged and moving forward in their learning.
Gary
I tend to survey my students at least three times throughout the quarter/semester and ask them for 360 degree feedback on many of the strengths and weaknesses they see with me as their instructor. It is always interesting to see how things can change from week 1, 6, and 11. You can get some great information about your teaching behavior in week 11!
Kevin
It is a way to help you focus on students and what they are learning.
