If I ask a colleague to review my class, I am getting a professional's opinion which I can incorporate to make improvements.
If I poll my students, I get their input so that I can evaluate what works and doesn't work in terms of technology, learning outcomes and assessments.
Anonymous student evaluations can be helpful as well. Sometimes students are more honest or forthcoming if they can give their feedback anonymously.
I believe that student evaluations are extremely important to the totality of the entire program you are teaching. It gives you a great perspective from the student's point of view and it benefits all aspects of your program. Constant evaluation is needed as it allows you to grow the program you are teaching.
Juliette,
You are correct that your syllabus is a key element, but when thinking about evaluation, please explain how 2-3 different types of evalutions provide value?
Thanks!
Terry,
Good point. The fact that feedback is important is the key. It's important, however, to provide it frequently and consistently in a fashion that the students can understand the feedback and learn from it.
Thanks!
I think all types of evaluations have value, but I would want to make sure my syllabus accurately reflects what's taught in class. This will eliminate confusion and possibly anger for the students.
I do not think any one type of feedback is better than the other on closing the loop. I think that is all contingent on the individual learner and how they will understand the instructor feedback.
Beth,
Again, you make a good point. "Always" looking for ways to improve is the correct answer. Teaching online is dynamic in that it's ever-changing. Getting feedback from students, peers, etc. is great. Just keep getting feedback, make changes to the course and keep making the course better and better.
Thanks!
I think looking at the course and the ovjectives would be the most mportant but not the only eveluation. Always looking for ways to improve is the most important thing.
You need to incorporate all variations of evaluation to get the best results of a revision, however the student feedback at the end of the course will tell you exactly how the students themselves view the course, the material and how it was presented.
Daryl,
Yes, there are many types of evaluations. It's important to align the appropriate type of evaluation to the situation.
You have provided good detail about each and the identification of such information is key to using the proper evaluation at the righ time.
Thanks!
I really like the idea of the student interview. I have found that students do not always take the end-of-course survey seriously. Some students just list I agree the whole way down and don't list any specific feedback/ comments.
Additionally, an effective pre/post test is a great quantitative way to measure learning.
Many of the types of evaluations are important in closing the loop. Together, they can be comprehensive in this process.
It would seem, the evaluation methods covered have a direct focus in the course evalutation process.
- Student Grades help to gather information on the effectiveness of the course.
- Syllabus Scan helps to determin if the content and what is being taught matches.
- Assignments and Examinations helps to review the effectiveness item by item in the course.
- Portfolio gives an overview of the students learning process thoughout the course.
- Questions Tools helps in spot-checking the learning process to evaluate the progress of students.
- Pretest/Posttest focuses on the design and delivery of the course measuring the concepts / topics learned.
- Concept Maps looks at the relationships between concepts and information.
In summary, together they provide the most comprehensive feedback to "close the loop."
Donald,
Going right to the source (the students) is great. They can provide much needed feedback and will be honest with you. Once you get the feedback, use the information to make the course better. Online courses tend to be a work in progress on a continual basos,
Nice job!
I think there is a variety of methods that can be utilized to assess student learning and the relationship and benefits of the overall course.
The best I have found was actually ask the students, set up a specific question sheet for students to answer. Focus on the main objectives, organize the comments to look for patterns and any detailed feedback.
Mark,
There are many important things for sure, I just wanted you to think of a few so as not to be overwhelmed in this one discussion board post. This is something to keep in mine when asking students to discuss important points online.
You are right that the evaluation process is continual. Obtaining feedback from others provides you with information from many points of view. All points of view will assist in making changes and developing a better course.
Thanks!
I do not feel that their is one particular type of evaluation that would close the loop completely. In order to be effective you need to evaluate and reevaluate continually and the more views and opinions you receive will enable you to improve the class and delivery of the material.
Brian,
Peer evaluation is an awesome opportunity for you to get feedback from others who have or have not taught the course. If they have taught the course, they know what to expect from students and how the course should "look and feel." If they have not taught the course, they almost have a student's perspective as they are trying to navigate the course and consider the layout, design and user-friendliness along with content.
No matter what peers are looking for or evaluating, it's all good feedback. Thanks!
Hi Dr. Crews and fellow classmates.
In order to close the loop I feel that a peer review would provide the most comprehensive feedback allowing you to close the loop. With a peer evaluation, your fellow colleague would be looking at many of the other areas such as the syllabus, grades and assignments.
Regards,
Brian Smiegel
Edward,
I agree that peer evaluations are not used as often as they should be. The more feedback you can get the more details will have to revise your course and make it better.
How do you use the feedback you get from students and peers?
I believe end of course student evaluations, peer evaluations, and student interviews are all important.
Peer interviews seem to often be underrated.
