Suggestion 96. Use index cards to get feedback

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Know if the class is understanding you or not

• Know if students are bored or confused

• Give students opportunities to suggest improvements in the course

Distributing index cards several times during the semester and asking students to give you feedback on the course.

A professor of education asks students to respond to two questions, one on the front and one on the back of the index cards. The two questions he uses are, "How's it going?" and, "Any suggestions?"

Of course, if you have reason to think that there is a problem with a specific aspect of the course, you will get better information if you target your questions accordingly. For example, "Any problems with the text?" or "Students have complained in the past that I lecture too fast. I've been trying to improve. Is my lecture pace a problem for you?"

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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