Although my institution does surveys, I feel the students don't put their true feelings down unless they are unhappy with a certain dept. For the most part, students don't want to say anything bad about their instructors, but they have no problem perhaps "cutting up" the financial aid dept. Most students answer the questions on the survey but don't offer suggestions on improvement. I feel sometimes those students opinion are often not taken into consideration because they are considered one of the "disgruntled" students that were having a bad day.
We follow a similar sturcture in employing student surveys at the end of each term. In the classroom, I find the feedback to be insightful for areas for my own improvement, but also to get a sense of the student perception to consider in following terms. I think this is a valuable tool in addressing an authentic learning experience for students.
We see that the students expectation is met by doing survey, activities and constant communication.
Michael, what sort of feedback do you get from your students? Any examples of changes you made based on their input?
Loren Kroh
Feedback on a weekly basis? How does that work?
Loren Kroh
Sounds like your institution has two very valuable employees. How do students get connected with them?
Loren Kroh
Student surveys and Attrtion are two ways my school assures Expectatrions are being met
New students has a survey in two weeks,and it the end of a couse the students can rate the instructors. I ask by week what a student think and how can I help them
After several changes to our staff, specifically those involved with this task, we have spread more of this responsibility to the faculty. Although we have student surveys, career services, and exit interviews to address this, we as the 'front line' have to understand this aspect of the motivation of the students for them to succeed.
There are instructor evaluations at the end of every class
There are instructor evaluations at the end of every class, however if the learner or instructor is having a bad day then the evaluation is not that effective.
As instructors, we are getting feedback from students as to their expectations for the course and if they are being met on a weekly basis. This truely helps me as an instructor and the students appreciate the time and effort. I want to be sure that they understand and get a good foundation all along the way to their success.
Our institution has a student services department consisting of two persons who excel at making students feel at home, and connecting them with services designed to ease the students' concerns. These student services reps also help hold students accountable for showing up at tutoring, health appoinments, etc. They help sort through student problems, but stop short of taking on the whole burden of student success.
Same here. At the end of the quarter students are given the opportunity to evaluate the instructor and the entire classroom learning experience.
What my institution do to assure that students expectations are being met and that they are satisfied is:
First of all, the institution put forth an effort to hire the best qualified students in the subject matters in which they will be teaching. Secondly, all faculty are aware of the regulations, and guidelines of the institution. One major guideline is that all faculty follow the course syllabus set by corporate, in order to assure that the students receive the maximum knowledge, training, and experience from the course. Thirdly, students are required to evaluate the course, instructor, as well books and other materials each quarter. All are reviewed by the Academic Dept. and if there are questions/concerns regarding the instructor, boooks, etc., the DOE will schedule an appointment with the instructor and may be even the student; if necessary to resolve all student concerns. In addition, I myself personally have my students to evaluate me and the course taught in an effort to see where I need to make improvements. I think that your students are your best critics.
My institution uses student surveys to evaluate expectations and student satisfaction as well. I believe this could be more effective and helpful if they would require the students to participate in the surveys. Currently, participation in the surveys is voluntary.
Our programs are delivered through distance education therefore it is imperative that we are in constant contact with out students. The instructor is responsible for not only tutorial assistance but to make a progress call to each student weekly to ensure they are not having any difficulties with the curriculum.
Our student services representatives contact all students on a weekly basis to ensure they are receiving impeccable customer service and to address any concerns the student maybe encountering.
I am fairly new to my school. I have been in training for the last two weeks. From what I have experienced so far, everything done is with the student's best interest in mind. This includes help in finding transportation, child care,etc. The absolutely best, well trained instructors, great atmosphere, excellent equipment and products available. If a student is having trouble, it appears the powers that be find the true reason for their struggle. I am completely in awe of what I am seeing thus far.
At the end of class students are given a survey to take which is confidential. It is them immediately reviewed by all parties involved as well the program chair. Also the Program Chair goes in the classroom once a month and does a stop and talk dicussion with students where she gets feedback on areas that may need improvement and areas that seem to be working fine.
My institution makes a daily effort to contact the student whether they show up for class or not.
