Using student feedback to improve teaching
March 24, 2025
"Are students getting anything from my lectures?" It’s an early morning class with about 40 students, and the instructor is wondering why they are getting a lot of blank looks and silence whenever they ask if anyone has questions. I jot down the instructor’s question as I prepare to attend their class to run a .
On the day of the session, the instructor introduces me and leaves the room 45 minutes before the end of the period. After explaining the purpose of my visit, we begin the three-part feedback gathering process. First, there’s a few minutes of quiet, concentrated scribbling as students write individual responses to the prompts. Then they gather in small groups to discuss and a constant buzz of on-topic conversation fills the room. Finally, students share statements that they developed in their small groups, and the whole class votes.
in this teaching tip from ÐÔÓûÉç's Center for Teaching and Learning.