Course Evaluation
I learned the hard way to not change a course based on a group of evaluations. It was my first year teaching and I did not understand the process of reviewing over a certain period what should and should not be changed. I had to learn about different learners and how they would assess a course. Finally, I learned you don't change everything if one thing is at issue.
kelia,
Correct. You have to carefully consider the evaluation data and move forward in a conscious manner. Thanks.
Student Evaluations are very important as well as information from supervisors. I did make a change on my final exam as a result of information I obtained from student evaluations over a period of time. I do not think we should make drastic changes in the course unless it is something that is consistently being reported.
Mamie,
Glad you are taking advice from the students seriously and making changes (for the better) in your class. Nice job.
Student evaluations are important, but it is important to be able to differentiate from a disgruntled student vs. one who is is objective about the course. I had a student who was consistently missing deadlines and asking extensions. Despite the conversations and e-mails we had, she gave the course a low score stating she didn't learn anything and that I was not supportive.
Letitia,
Absolutely. We have disgruntled students from time to time that put down everything in the class and everything we did in the class. It's good to be able to not take everything personally that is said and look at what can be changed for the better in the course. Good point.
You make a valid point. We do want our students to succeed. However there is a point in time when there is only so much you can do. Recognizing a student that is unhappy in general with the course versus a student having a few learning issues along the way. Thank you for pointing this out and making it a little clearer for me.
Kristen,
Absolutely! You're correct. We kind of have to "weed out" the important issues and how to deal with them in the best way. Thanks!
Lessons learned the hard way often stick with us the most!
Sarrah,
That is so true. We learn by trial and error for sure and some things stick with us forever. Thanks!
