Student Feedback

One of the journal entries I assigned last week (midway through Windows XP) was to give me feedback on how students were feeling about the class so far. I should have documented all of their comments, but unfortunately I have already graded and handed them back, so the official evidence is lost.

Nevertheless, I do remember some of the positive comments that were made:

• I like the Scavenger Hunts.
• The class is well-paced.
• I have learned a lot.
• I like working with and getting to know my classmates.

And I remember some of the negative comments too:

• Some classmates can be annoying.
• I am sometimes confused.
• I don't like it when my time is wasted because other students came to class late. One time my partner and I had our hands raised for 10 minutes and never had our question answered. I shouldn't have to wait just because other students are not responsible.

Overall, I was pleased that many students left the "negative feedback question" blank, or said they had nothing negative to report. I was also pleased that many students said they liked everything under the positive feedback question.

The most useful answers were the specific ones. I was really happy that at least one student found the Textbook Scavenger Hunts to be useful, because I have spent so much time developing (and grading) those! I also was glad to see that at least one student felt the class was well-paced, since I also put a lot of effort into organizing class time.

I try to divide class periods up into several segements, involving different ways of learning. Here are some of the activities students do in class:

• working with a partner or trio
• working individually
• exploring/reading the textbook
• doing practical exercises on the computer (some instructions are text-based, others are entirely visual/graphical)
• doing practical exercises manipulating physical objects other than the computer (documents and file folders)
• listening to the instructor or a student volunteer present material
• following along with the instructor in an interactive demonstration
• large-group Q&A
• journalling/reflection
• open lab time

Overall, the student feedback made me feel that students have reacted positively to the teaching methods I have employed, and that the main issues I need to work on are:

• being more clear in my instructions and making sure that classroom activities are also helping students to achieve greater competency in the necessary skills
• continuing to conscientiously foster a classroom climate of helpfulness and cooperation throughout the duration of the course
• not letting some students monopolize my attention during class at the expense of others (also eyes on the back of my head would help :) )

Considering how nervous I was at the beginning of the semester, I definitely was glad to see that students are not outrageously displeased with the class so far. In fact, their feedback was quite positive, which was a big relief to me!