Best forms of student input
What are some of the best ways for students to give their input about what they would like to see in their school in the way of help, extra circular activities, decision input & over all policies? We have tried several things but the students do not as a large group participate in them.
What's the point of seeking input if no one is monitoring the process? Presumably, the use of the data is anticipated when the collection process is developed; the person/people that want it, own it.
I don't see online being any different. Why do you want the data, who will analyze it, what are the expected outcomes and who is responsible for managing the process?
Loren Kroh
Input is always a great way to help places improve IF someone is actually monitoring the process. Who has that responsibility at your institution? Is it different for the online component?
Email addresses can be a very useful tool to get, and stay, connected to your students. It is desirable to get the email address that they give to their friends, not the one the school provided. Students quickly learn that no good news comes from that account.
You have to be cautious about how you use this resource. If you are too intrusive, you will end up in the Junk box.
Do you use Chat rooms or forums for your classes now?
When students enter a class, create a list of e-mail addresses to send out questionaires. Another possible scenario is to have a question posted online in a forum that can be answered by the students privately out of class.
When the final bell goes off after class there is a literal stampede for the doors and the parking lot is emptied in a matter of minutes. This tells me that the majority of students would rather be somewhere else.
When I came to the FACT program we were operating in a separate building away from the main campus, the atmosphere was relaxed and there was tremendous comradery and enthusiasm among the students. I was amazed to see how many students would stay after class or come in early to work on their web courses or to get help from an instructor. Staying for hours on their own time. There was a great sense of being part of a special team and we would celebrate periodically with a barbeque where we had some of the best communication between staff and students.
Since we have moved into the new building with the rest of the student body we have struggled to keep the team spirit alive. Our students are now rushing off campus at the end of class and rarely stay for help despite us having a dedicated area set up for them to work on PC's.
Students are not going to give the staff input as to what they would like to see happen if their rushing off campus after class. I believe we need to look at the environment we have created here at the campus and ask ourselves how can we make this a great learning place where the students really enjoy being here.
Well this one can get sticky, first trust must be established in both directions to get students, staff and faculty involved, trust must be bidirectional.This takes honest questions and answers from all involved. I have seen students use the current evaluation process as a baseball bat to get an "instructor or staff member", I have seen these evals bought by instructors with pizza on fridays, both of these uses are dishonest and unproductive. To reverse this several things need to be done.
Top level staff need to become involved in graduation again. This would give some meaning to the we care phrase. Next Start up the student race team again, this is an activity that plays righht into their career goals and would get several instructors backing it. Have a quarterly mixer that includes management, staff and instructors in an informal meet greet and talk. This would require a strong comittment from the school as this would take time. Having dogs and burgers with Grave Digger on campus is great but lets look at something more frequent then once or twice a year. What we currently do does not attract a large portion of our students so lets think out side of the box, or better yet lets make the box go away.
This generation of students seems to be far more candid electronically than they are face to face. An email suggestion box may rejuvenate an old idea. It will be interesting to see how that works.
Many students provide valuable input on the end of course evaluations. Others see those evaluations as a waste of time. We should work as a team to show the student body that thoughtful comments written on the evaluation will be given consideration by the faculty. Another thing that we might try is an e-mail suggestion box where students could submit suggestions and concerns.
Are you able to make connections with each of your students this way? My sense is that some students are open to this type of interaction while others disappear whenever they can. How can you interact with them?
I think we need to be open to the informal communication we have with students. Make the most of the interactions we have with students at breaks, after and before class.most students find us more approachable in an informal setting and if we act on those chance interactions when the student has their guard down I think it creates an opportunity to show we care.We must always be mindful of the fact that we are always on the clock when in contact with any student anywhere.
Be honest with the students! Educate them in the various means available for them to voice their opinions and then follow through with them. You may not allways be able to change everything to thier satisfaction, but an honest approach will prove to them you care about their issues. The majority understand how things really are and are ok with it, they just want someone to give them an "honest listen and answer", and if something can be done, great. The biggest complaint is that they are "blown off"
When a student feels that you are taking their opinions and suggestions seriously, they will be more open to providing them more frequently. If you ask for input and then completely disregard what you are given, what can you realistically expect in the future. Students must feel that they are respected and that their opinions truly matter. They must feel that they are getting something out of the effort they are making to better their institution. Hand your students a survey and discuss the topics in a timely manner. Let them know that they are being heard, and they will want you to hear them in the future.
Viorel, do you use a 'suggestion box' for you own classes? Most schools have a student satisfactions survey at the end of the academic period that offers an opportunity to make suggestions. Of course, if the student doesn't think anyone is listening they quickly stop making them. However, each faculty member can also do mid-term surveys for their own use. At that time you can ask how well you're connecting with the students and ask for suggestions to improve. This give you time to make mid-course corrections and show your students that you hear them and value their input.
Would this work for you?
I agree with John. Having a "suggetion box" will help a lot in promotion of participation of our students the learning future activities.
Please elaborate, Kristin.
Bribe them to participate until the culture takes over and it is expected to participate.
Input is always a great way to help places improve IF someone is actually monitoring the process. Who has that responsibility at your institution? Is it different for the online component?
We are also an online environment. I think that having a "suggestion box" located on websites would promote students to participate in making suggestions. I know that anytime I see a suggestion box whether it be online or at a retaurant I will take the time to think if I have any and if I do I will fill it out. Input is always a great way to help places improve.
I hope this doesn't sound too much like a shameless plug, but Campus ToolKit is primarily a web based product that provides assessments, tools and resources intended to build better self understanding for the student as well as better connectivity with staff and faculty. It includes a procedure for on-line students to request services and provide feedback about their state of mind.
Please contact me directly if you would like more information. loren.kroh@corvusllc.com
