Hmmm...this is a hard one to address for me because I waiver back and forth on this issue. I guess it's a combination of student feedback and feedback from another content/subject matter expert. It's good to take into consideration the feedback from students. However, allowing our colleagues and content-area experts to evaluate the effectiveness of a course is a good way to measure whether or not it meets the needs of all learners.
Frances,
Love the phrase "consumers of information." The more individualized feedback we can give to those consumers, the better. Thanks for your input.
Sarah,
It is kind of neat when we get the unexpected feedback and it helps us improve. That's what feedback should be about - Improvement! Thanks for your input.
Denise,
When students critique others, it helps them determine what is important. After they critique 3-4 works of others then have them use the same criteria to critique their own work. They may see their own work in a different light after they have viewed others' work.
Yolanda,
Student evaluations can provide us with valuable feedback. Keep it up.
Jennifer ,
With a variety of methods to get feedback, we need to consider them all. We can always learn from our students. It is good that we stay open to feedback.
Nitin,
We definitely need to take all feedback into consideration. We need to take the good with the bad. Thanks.
In think that evaluation by the student is a good starting place since the students are the consumers of the information. With that said, I think more than the typical fill in the blank type course evaluation is not sufficient. I think it takes real feedback from the students such as in an interview type situation. This type of evaluation may be difficult to do since the students are typically not anonymous and may not be comfortable enough to speak their minds.
The second type of evaluaton that could be very useful is to have one of your peers who has been successful in teaching the same type of course to look over the materials to see what they think works and does not work. Their suggestions would be very useful. Sometimes this is not available to use, particularly where you allow them access to the students and the entire online course. They could, however, look over your materials without actually having to log in to the online classroom.
Some instructors teach in a structured online environment which does not allow for much individual responsibility for getting course feedback beyond the standard student evaluaton at the end of the course. This limits the ability of the instructor to get feedback and make changes.
Frances
I agree that student feedback is very important. I've found that it provides me with some of the most unexpected and useful information since the student perspective is most different from that of the instructor or the institution.
I've also found it helpful to explain to students which things in the class are based on previous student feedback so they can see that what they have to say is meaningful and helps to create change.
-Sarah
I teach a lot of art classes, so sometimes students learn best during "critique" when their peers weigh in and show their own examples.
Always - student evaluations - The class is for and about the students - so their feedback is vital and should be listened to
I see merit in all of the evaluation methods and agree that multiple methods will provide the most comprehensive feedback to help me close the loop.
If I had to select one type of evaluation, I would choose the peer evaluation method. Having a peer review my course will provide that extra set of eyes, and bring in the perspective of someone who has the same type of student contact, and understanding of student needs. I could also learn some additional “best practices†through that type of review.
Student evaluations can be useful, but should not be used as the sole measure. In my courses very few students complete them and the ones that do are either those getting an A or those who have performed poorly and have ax to grind. Along with other measurements, the student evaluation can be useful, just not as a sole measure.
Student feedback is important in my view.
You get both disgruntled and happy students but of the questions asked of them are worded properly, we usually get a good response that tells us how the course is designed, and how well the instructor is doing.
Perry,
When you include formative feedback throughout the course, you tend to get better, more meaningful feedback in your end of course evaluations. It's worth a try. And, get feedback before grades are provided.
I believe student feedback can sometimes provide some meaningful feedback. This is very subjective, because if the student does not get the grade they deserve, it tends to reflect on the feedback. I like course evaluation by the Academic Quality analyst. But they are stuck with a framework they must follow. If your in constant contact with the evaluator, this really helps to close the loop.
Perry
Madhuchanda,
We do have various students with differing personalities. However, we should continue to try to get all students to engage and see the importance of feedback. Thanks!
Darakshan,
You are right. The more feedback you get from a variety of sources, the more input you'll have. Take what feedback you get into consideration and put it to good use.
Steven,
Peer review does provide you with different information that you may get from students. It's good to get a variety of feedback. Thanks!
corinne,
Everything must be reviewed. Curriculum, course content, how you're teaching the course, online tools, students success, learning outcomes, etc. It's a never ending process and evaluations are a critical part of the revision process. Nice job.
Patrice,
The written feedback can provide tons of information to students to help them improve. It can be more comprehensive. Thank you.
