I think that peer evaluation, by an instructor of equal parity, would be the most valuable.
LE,
Yes, we learn more from evaluations at multiple levels as you describe. Quantitative and qualitative data give us more of a well-rounded understanding. Thanks for your input.
Evaluation by its nature should include multiple levels or views. The process needs to be qualitative and quantitative. The quantitative is easiest to understand and is the most actionable. But the feedback from students during interviews and other assessments can provide the best source of improvements. If the Instructor is able to understand what the student is saying and how to make creative changes that will impact the course favorably.
Heather,
Yes, we all bring a different perspective to the review process. Keep asking for input and continue to improve your courses. Thanks!
Mischel,
Students are the ones that have been involved in the process of learning in your class and should have excellent feedback.
Thanks.
I believe it is important to make sure that you have multiple different people evaluate the module. Having just 1 person look at it, really isn't enough. In my experience having several people evaluate the better to catch and issues.
Heather
I think my students will provide me with the most comprehensive feedback in an on-line environment. The students will be able to convey if the course objectives met their expectations. Also, reviewing the grades at the end of a session will be a good indicator of what revisions should be made.
Justine,
Right on! You are on target. Teaching and learning is an ongoing process as well as evaluation/assessment and revisions. Thanks for continuing the process.
I think the most important thing to remember is that revision must be ongoing and varied, so there is no one best way to close the loop. Self-evaluation is important, but limited. Peer evaluation is beneficial because other online instructors have experience to offer in regard to course development. Yet student feedback is paramount since they are the audience. When all pieces work together, and the revision process is cyclical, the course is on its way to effectively delivering the content.
Lori,
You are looking at their feedback correctly. It's is feedback (just as we give our students) - feedback to improve. Thanks for your input.
For me student evaluations are used the most and I this is the opportunity for the students to give me feedback as I have done for them during the course. I appreciate the feedback and look at it as constructive criticism.
Lealan,
Thanks for providing some information about how you use rubrics. They benefit both the instructor and students. Keep up the good work.
Stephanie,
Right on. The more ways we evaluate, the more we learn. So, we have to try to see the value in diversity of evaluation. Good point.
I don't think there is one "best" way...I believe that multiple measures always provide the most comprehensive evaluation.
Sometimes it is challenging to engage students in online discussion. I use rubrics. For grading, I also use a feature in Blackboard where I recreate and tailor my rubrics in Blackboard so that I can use them when grading an assignment. This way, I can use the rubric and provide comments/feedback per item. The student always knows what is expected as listed in the rubric in the GradeCenter.
Lealan
Roland,
Right on. We need to continue to get feedback from a variety of sources so we have well-rounded information. Then, we can continue with the evolution of changing our courses or assignments to make them better. Nice job.
There is no one item which will provide complete and comprehensive feedback. It starts with evaluating all the assessment items, assignments and discussions which track the quality and quantity of participation for each student. How much time has the student put into the course?--so tracking how long each student participates is just one critical facet. How much time does the student take for each assessment? Receiving student feedback for each course and comparing their feedback with performance along with instructor and peer review self feedback is also key.
Dwayne,
I do take into consideration student feedback. It's one type of feedback that it directly related to your teaching and it can help you think about changes that need to be made. Peers come at the evaluation in a different light, but their feedback also helps us think about the way we are teaching. Nice job.
Student feedback is always a leading indicator. You also have to look at the work that comes form your students. This is always a true sign as to the quality of the instruction. Peer evaluations can also offer an objective and third-party viewpoint that can reveal key learnings.
Thank you,
Dwayne Roark
I heard someone say the other day that our clients are those in society and the students are our product/service to the community. Makes you think. Thanks.
