Student Feedback
As I was getting ready for school this morning, I began to think about how we evaluate student feedback and how we can ensure accountability of that evaluation within our own little classroom worlds…and, to be honest, I didn’t come to any major conclusions that will shake up the world. However, I did spend some time reflecting on the unsolicited feedback I have received from students over the past 6 weeks of school.
I have received all kinds of feedback from students. Much of it has been non-constructive, such as, “Let’s not do anything today” and “Can’t we just watch a movie?” But, on a happier note, much of it has also been very insightful and helpful for me as a teacher.
Students will tell you when they are bored, particularly my students (grrr). It can be really frustrating to hear, especially when you are covering a topic that they must learn, come heck or high water. However, it is important for us to listen to what they want and try to provide options. I will frequently change my course in the day based on student feedback and they seem to really appreciate it.
I want to share some of the positive comments I have received from students already this year. Not to brag on my own teaching (because I have a long way to go as far as perfection…) but to highlight what it is that students seem to enjoy in a teacher. Take them as you will….with the understanding that the compliments are not the end all, be all for teachers. All students have different preferences…
1) “You always dress nice! You don’t dress like some of those other teachers who wear jeans and all that on Fridays. You take your job seriously. I appreciate that.”
2) “You always like to give us options…it’s like you feel like we’re adults. You give us the option to make our own choices…it makes me feel good and I appreciate it.”
3) “You’re my best teacher….you’re one of the only teachers I have had that actually teaches. Other teachers just give handouts and sit in the back of the room but you stand up and teach the whole time…even when no one is listening to you…”
4) “You’re the first ‘cool’ teacher I ever had. You are, like, fun and you’re not afraid to play around in class a little.”
Now that I have basked in my own glory, I’ll recap some of the other comments I have received (and in much larger quantities)…just for balance… 
1) “I hate this class….”
2) “This class is soooooo boring.”
3) “What time is this class over anyway?”
4) “I ain’t doing this. I’m getting moved out of this class….pshhhhaww…”
But, as Baz Lurmann says, “Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.”
