We found 267 results that contain "mid-semester"
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Mid-Semester Feedback
This is a collection of resources to help guide educators through the process of collecting mid-semester feedback, interpreting the data, and making an action plan!
ASSESSING LEARNING
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Semester Start Roadmap
This is a collection of resources aimed at supporting instructors as they prepare for the start of the semester. Each section of the playlist contains a short list of articles on discrete topics to support your semester preparation. Photo by "delfi de la Rua" on Unsplash.
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
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Getting Started Teaching & Learning Now and Through the Semester
Getting Started with Teaching and Learning is offered to bring together educators new to MSU from across campus to explore and exchange ideas about quality and inclusive teaching, as well as find community among the large group of people who are engaged in the important work of creating the best learning environments possible for our students. The focus is to assist educators in developing practical materials that are needed for immediate use in their teaching and to best prepare them for their courses and work with students.
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
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Mid-semester Feedback General Process
Are you interested in engaging in reflective practice around your instruction with mid-semester feedback?
Read through the "process" section of the mid-semester feedback playlist
Use the CTLI Mid-Semester Feedback Form to customize your feedback survey. Remember, you know your course, objectives, activites, and style best. Add/remove questions that make the most sense for your course!
note: you must be logged into Google Drive with your MSU credentials to access the form and form instructions
Distribute your anomyous survey to the learners in your course, providing ample time for them to complete
note: double check the Google Form Instructions to ensure you're maintaining anonymity
After survey is closed, review your data. You can use the "interpret" section of the mid-semester feedback playlist if you need help.
Make a plan of action based on the feedback you recieved, share the plan with your class, and get started! (The "action plan" section of the mid-semester feedback playlist can help if you need ideas.)
Additional help can be provided by the CTLI Student Feedback team, should you need a thought partner as you navigate collecting, interpreting, and adapting! CTLI offers more instruments for formative feedback and checking in with learners. Learn more about the entire student-facing survey "library"
Read through the "process" section of the mid-semester feedback playlist
Use the CTLI Mid-Semester Feedback Form to customize your feedback survey. Remember, you know your course, objectives, activites, and style best. Add/remove questions that make the most sense for your course!
note: you must be logged into Google Drive with your MSU credentials to access the form and form instructions
Distribute your anomyous survey to the learners in your course, providing ample time for them to complete
note: double check the Google Form Instructions to ensure you're maintaining anonymity
After survey is closed, review your data. You can use the "interpret" section of the mid-semester feedback playlist if you need help.
Make a plan of action based on the feedback you recieved, share the plan with your class, and get started! (The "action plan" section of the mid-semester feedback playlist can help if you need ideas.)
Additional help can be provided by the CTLI Student Feedback team, should you need a thought partner as you navigate collecting, interpreting, and adapting! CTLI offers more instruments for formative feedback and checking in with learners. Learn more about the entire student-facing survey "library"
Authored by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
MSU Mid-Semester Feedback - General Sample questions
note: you can access a downloadable file of the sample questions here.Mid-semester feedback is a way your instructor can collect information about your learning experience and how the course design impacts your experience. This survey is your opportunity to share insights about class so your instructor can make decisions on how to proceed with the rest of this semester. This is an anonymous survey. Your identity will not be shared with anyone and will in no way impact your grade in the course. Your feedback is valued and appreciated.
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: (Matrix with 1 = never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = always)I am prepared for class. I understand what is expected of me in preparation for class.I have opportunities to ask the instructor questions.The course meetings and activities motivate me to learn.The way new concepts are introduced is aligned with my learning style. The activities and materials are interesting and engaging.Instructor feedback is provided in a timely manner.Instructor feedback is provided in a way that helps me learn. The instructions for completing assignments are clear.The assessments are aligned with what we are being asked to learn.Synchronous technology (e.g., live presentations and video conferences) was used effectively to achieve the goals of the course.Asynchronous technology (e.g., threaded discussions) was used effectively to achieve the goals of the course.
Overall, my learning in this course meets my expectations.
Disagree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Agree
What elements of class have contributed to or proved most helpful for your learning so far? (For example, describe the times in this class when you were most engaged. Or describe activities or assignments that are valuable.) open ended
What could be added or changed to reduce barriers to learning in this class so far? open ended
Other examples of questions:
What aspects of this course and your instructor's teaching help you learn best? open ended
What specific advice would you give to help your instructor improve your learning in this course? open ended
What steps could you take to improve your own learning in this course? open ended
What would you like to see more of between now and the end of the semester? open ended
To date, I have found my own level of participation in the class sessions to be…
High
varied
low
none
The pace of this course is...
too fast
just right
too slow
How would you rate the work-load of this course? (high = 5, low=1)
5
4
3
2
1
How much of the reading that has been assigned so far have you completed?
100%
90%
75%
50%
less than 50%
How many hours per week, outside of regularly scheduled class meetings, do you spend on this class?
1‐2
2‐4
4‐6
6‐8
more than 8
Other examples of Likert Questions that could be added to the second general question example above:
Questions of General Applicability:
I find the format of this class (lecture, discussion, problem-‐solving) helpful to the way that I learn.
I feel that this class format engages my interest.
I feel comfortable speaking in this class.
I learn better when the instructor summarizes key ideas from a class session.
I find the comments on exams or other written work helpful to my understanding of the class content.
I find that this class stimulates my interest in reading about this subject outside of class.
I feel comfortable approaching the instructor with questions or comments.
I think that I would learn better if a different format were used for this class (suggested below).
Questions Applicable for Problem-‐solving or Laboratory Classes:
The problems worked in this class help me in working other problems on my own.
The problems worked in this class help me in learning the content ideas in this class.
I feel that I learn how to solve problems more easily when I work with a group of students.
I find the laboratory lectures helpful in understanding the purpose of the experiment.
I find the instructor's comments during laboratory help my understanding of key steps in the experiment.
I find the comments on my written laboratory reports helpful in understanding the experiment.
I learn more from the laboratory when I am given questions about it to think about first.
I learn more from the laboratory when I am given questions about it to write about first.
Questions for Discussion-‐Oriented Classes:
I find class discussions help me in understanding the readings.
I find class discussions help me in understanding key ideas in the course.
I learn more if class discussions are more structured.
I feel that class discussions are dominated by one or a few people.
I learn better when I have more of a chance to speak.
I learn more from discussions when I am given a question to think about first.
I learn more from discussions when I am given a question to write about first.
Questions for Classes Using Team or Group Work:
I feel that I learn more when I work with a group.
My group works well together
I feel that I need more guidance for our group work.
I find that working in a group confuses me.
I find it helpful if the instructor summarizes results obtained as part of group work.
I find it helpful to get feedback from my group on my own performance in the group.
I think that groups work better when each person has an assigned role in the group.
Photo by Dean on Unsplash
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: (Matrix with 1 = never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = always)I am prepared for class. I understand what is expected of me in preparation for class.I have opportunities to ask the instructor questions.The course meetings and activities motivate me to learn.The way new concepts are introduced is aligned with my learning style. The activities and materials are interesting and engaging.Instructor feedback is provided in a timely manner.Instructor feedback is provided in a way that helps me learn. The instructions for completing assignments are clear.The assessments are aligned with what we are being asked to learn.Synchronous technology (e.g., live presentations and video conferences) was used effectively to achieve the goals of the course.Asynchronous technology (e.g., threaded discussions) was used effectively to achieve the goals of the course.
Overall, my learning in this course meets my expectations.
Disagree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Agree
What elements of class have contributed to or proved most helpful for your learning so far? (For example, describe the times in this class when you were most engaged. Or describe activities or assignments that are valuable.) open ended
What could be added or changed to reduce barriers to learning in this class so far? open ended
Other examples of questions:
What aspects of this course and your instructor's teaching help you learn best? open ended
What specific advice would you give to help your instructor improve your learning in this course? open ended
What steps could you take to improve your own learning in this course? open ended
What would you like to see more of between now and the end of the semester? open ended
To date, I have found my own level of participation in the class sessions to be…
High
varied
low
none
The pace of this course is...
too fast
just right
too slow
How would you rate the work-load of this course? (high = 5, low=1)
5
4
3
2
1
How much of the reading that has been assigned so far have you completed?
100%
90%
75%
50%
less than 50%
How many hours per week, outside of regularly scheduled class meetings, do you spend on this class?
1‐2
2‐4
4‐6
6‐8
more than 8
Other examples of Likert Questions that could be added to the second general question example above:
Questions of General Applicability:
I find the format of this class (lecture, discussion, problem-‐solving) helpful to the way that I learn.
I feel that this class format engages my interest.
I feel comfortable speaking in this class.
I learn better when the instructor summarizes key ideas from a class session.
I find the comments on exams or other written work helpful to my understanding of the class content.
I find that this class stimulates my interest in reading about this subject outside of class.
I feel comfortable approaching the instructor with questions or comments.
I think that I would learn better if a different format were used for this class (suggested below).
Questions Applicable for Problem-‐solving or Laboratory Classes:
The problems worked in this class help me in working other problems on my own.
The problems worked in this class help me in learning the content ideas in this class.
I feel that I learn how to solve problems more easily when I work with a group of students.
I find the laboratory lectures helpful in understanding the purpose of the experiment.
I find the instructor's comments during laboratory help my understanding of key steps in the experiment.
I find the comments on my written laboratory reports helpful in understanding the experiment.
I learn more from the laboratory when I am given questions about it to think about first.
I learn more from the laboratory when I am given questions about it to write about first.
Questions for Discussion-‐Oriented Classes:
I find class discussions help me in understanding the readings.
I find class discussions help me in understanding key ideas in the course.
I learn more if class discussions are more structured.
I feel that class discussions are dominated by one or a few people.
I learn better when I have more of a chance to speak.
I learn more from discussions when I am given a question to think about first.
I learn more from discussions when I am given a question to write about first.
Questions for Classes Using Team or Group Work:
I feel that I learn more when I work with a group.
My group works well together
I feel that I need more guidance for our group work.
I find that working in a group confuses me.
I find it helpful if the instructor summarizes results obtained as part of group work.
I find it helpful to get feedback from my group on my own performance in the group.
I think that groups work better when each person has an assigned role in the group.
Photo by Dean on Unsplash
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
I have mid-semester feedback data. Now what?
From the moment you present a mid-semester feedback opportunity to the learners in your course, it is imperative that you communicate your commitments to acting on the feedback. Have you ever had a peer or employer ask for your input on a project or initiative and then seem to completely ignore it? Maybe your significant other asked for your opinion on ways to tackle a challenge and then pursued an opposite approach? If you can recall a moment like this, how did it make you feel?
When you collect mid-semester feedback, you are asking your students for feedback. You want to make sure they feel valued and heard, that they have a voice in your class space, and that their input isn’t being collected just “for show.” You should clearly indicate which elements of their feedback you will and will not act on (and why). We know that students who feel empowered and who see their voice reflected in class activities feel more engaged and are more likely to show positive learning outcomes.
There is a body of literature that indicates biases are real and problematic in students’ evaluation of teaching. The goal of this mid-semester instrument is not evaluative of the instructor, but instead is focused on feedback surrounding the learning experience. That being said, be aware that a host of factors including (but not limited to) gender, race, and subject matter, stress, and load can lead students to make statements that imprecisely reflect the actual quality of instruction.
We recognize it can be difficult to look past the most impassioned individual feedback and consider all the data holistically, but remember that the “loudest” voice or the longest comments may not reflect the overall feelings of learners. One helpful strategy is to have someone you trust read the comments before you do, then provide you their overall impressions and filter out any inappropriate remarks.
The following is Adapted from the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative at MSU: Scott Schopieray (CAL), Stephen Thomas (Nat. Sci.) Sarah Wellman (CAL & Broad), Jeremy Van Hof (Broad).
Additional sources: Faculty Innovation Center at University of Texas at Austin
Toshalis, Eric & Nakkula, Michael (2012). Motivation, Engagement, and Student Voice. The Student at the Center Series, Jobs For the Future.
Justin Esarey & Natalie Valdes (2020) Unbiased, reliable, and valid student evaluations can still be unfair, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, DOI: 10.1080/02602938.2020.1724875
When you collect mid-semester feedback, you are asking your students for feedback. You want to make sure they feel valued and heard, that they have a voice in your class space, and that their input isn’t being collected just “for show.” You should clearly indicate which elements of their feedback you will and will not act on (and why). We know that students who feel empowered and who see their voice reflected in class activities feel more engaged and are more likely to show positive learning outcomes.
There is a body of literature that indicates biases are real and problematic in students’ evaluation of teaching. The goal of this mid-semester instrument is not evaluative of the instructor, but instead is focused on feedback surrounding the learning experience. That being said, be aware that a host of factors including (but not limited to) gender, race, and subject matter, stress, and load can lead students to make statements that imprecisely reflect the actual quality of instruction.
We recognize it can be difficult to look past the most impassioned individual feedback and consider all the data holistically, but remember that the “loudest” voice or the longest comments may not reflect the overall feelings of learners. One helpful strategy is to have someone you trust read the comments before you do, then provide you their overall impressions and filter out any inappropriate remarks.
The following is Adapted from the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative at MSU: Scott Schopieray (CAL), Stephen Thomas (Nat. Sci.) Sarah Wellman (CAL & Broad), Jeremy Van Hof (Broad).
Additional sources: Faculty Innovation Center at University of Texas at Austin
Toshalis, Eric & Nakkula, Michael (2012). Motivation, Engagement, and Student Voice. The Student at the Center Series, Jobs For the Future.
Justin Esarey & Natalie Valdes (2020) Unbiased, reliable, and valid student evaluations can still be unfair, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, DOI: 10.1080/02602938.2020.1724875
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Quick tips on how to interpret mid-semester feedback data.
The general sample questions provided in the "process" section of the mid-semster feedback playlist are centered around three themes. Here you can find quick tips for interpreting the data related to those themes, as well as links to other #iteachmsu articles. Remember the sample questions were written generally and with the audience, students, in mind. If you see (or don't see) jargon that would(n't) be typical in your field or discipline, keep in mind we attempted framing items in ways that would make sense for survey participants.
Thanks to our colleagues from the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative at MSU who provided the information adapted to this article: Scott Schopieray (CAL), Stephen Thomas (Nat. Sci.) Sarah Wellman (CAL & Broad), Jeremy Van Hof (Broad)!
Theme 1: Perceptions on purpose and alignment
This theme encompasses the sample questions where students indicate if they feel that they are prepared for class and understand expectations. Ideally, answers would trend toward “4. always” If that is true and students voice needs that they have in later answers, then you can explore relationships between, say, students who generally understand what is expected of them but (might be) confused about what assignments are asking of them (this is a curious relationship worth exploring with students).Theme 1 example questions: I am prepared for class. I understand what is expected of me in preparation for class.
If responses raise concerns, consider:
Clearly re-stating your course’s learning outcomes verbally and in writing
Clearly indicating how an activity fits into the broader course structure, prepares students for the working world, or aligns with the outcomes
Ensuring that the content assessed on tests & quizzes is content that’s been previewed in prior course activities
Before any course event (lecture, activity, test, etc) state clearly what course objectives are addressed
As you process the data from your students, be sure to focus on trends across feedback - both celebrations of what’s working and opportunities for change. This information provides you with an opportunity to highlight what is working for your own planning,in addition to providing supportive rationale for using certain teaching strategies (which you should share with your class.
Other resources include...
SOIREE
Introduction to Backward Design
Writing Measurable Outcomes for Students
Theme 2: Perceptions of structure, community, and workload
This theme relates to questions that explore students’ perceptions of the class community, structure, and workload. These are powerful descriptive questions that enable you to explore a number of issues with students (and/or with your colleagues), depending on the nature of student responses. Theme 2 example questions: I have the opportunity to ask questions. The material is interesting and engaging. Feedback is provided in a manner that helps me learn. Instructions are clear.
If responses raise concerns, consider:
Narrowing the toolset students need to use to complete required activities
Using the full suite of native tools in D2L – including the discussion board, the calendar, and the checklist
Providing opportunities for students to interact with you and each other in a no-stress, non-academic setting (perhaps via Zoom before or after class)
Re-visiting assignment and project descriptions to very clearly indicate how students use tools, seek assistance, and can contact you and/or their peers
Building in multiple points of clarification and reminders of due dates and work processes
You can also check out this from SOIREE:
Resources to Build Inclusivity and Community
Theme 3: Perceptions of learning environment
Questions in this theme indicate students' self-perception of their learning and the learning environment. Three of these questions are open-ended, so you want to make sure you’re recognizing the time it takes students to provide this type of feedback. An easy way to find patterns in the open ended responses is to paste all them into a word cloud generator. Consider using this tool: https://worditout.com/word-cloud/create Theme 3 example questions: This course's meetings and activities motivate me to learn. The way new concepts are introduced is aligned with my learning style. Overall, my learning in this course meets my expectations. What elements of class have contributed to or proved most helpful for your learning so far? What could be added or changed to reduce barriers to learning in this class so far?
After you consider the responses to these questions in addition to the items in the themes above, you have information to adapt your plan for the remainder of the semester. Be sure to tell your students what you’re changing and why (based on what feedback). Asking for feedback without following up can suggest to students that their opinions might not matter, and harm your relationship. Instead, address opportunities for what you and they can do to make the most of the semester, share your intended plans for utilizing the feedback, and thank students for their honesty, inviting them to continue working with you to improve the course.
You can also consider checking out these additional resources from SOIREE:
Student to Instructor interactions & engagement
Student to student interactions & engagement
Thanks to our colleagues from the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative at MSU who provided the information adapted to this article: Scott Schopieray (CAL), Stephen Thomas (Nat. Sci.) Sarah Wellman (CAL & Broad), Jeremy Van Hof (Broad)!
Theme 1: Perceptions on purpose and alignment
This theme encompasses the sample questions where students indicate if they feel that they are prepared for class and understand expectations. Ideally, answers would trend toward “4. always” If that is true and students voice needs that they have in later answers, then you can explore relationships between, say, students who generally understand what is expected of them but (might be) confused about what assignments are asking of them (this is a curious relationship worth exploring with students).Theme 1 example questions: I am prepared for class. I understand what is expected of me in preparation for class.
If responses raise concerns, consider:
Clearly re-stating your course’s learning outcomes verbally and in writing
Clearly indicating how an activity fits into the broader course structure, prepares students for the working world, or aligns with the outcomes
Ensuring that the content assessed on tests & quizzes is content that’s been previewed in prior course activities
Before any course event (lecture, activity, test, etc) state clearly what course objectives are addressed
As you process the data from your students, be sure to focus on trends across feedback - both celebrations of what’s working and opportunities for change. This information provides you with an opportunity to highlight what is working for your own planning,in addition to providing supportive rationale for using certain teaching strategies (which you should share with your class.
Other resources include...
SOIREE
Introduction to Backward Design
Writing Measurable Outcomes for Students
Theme 2: Perceptions of structure, community, and workload
This theme relates to questions that explore students’ perceptions of the class community, structure, and workload. These are powerful descriptive questions that enable you to explore a number of issues with students (and/or with your colleagues), depending on the nature of student responses. Theme 2 example questions: I have the opportunity to ask questions. The material is interesting and engaging. Feedback is provided in a manner that helps me learn. Instructions are clear.
If responses raise concerns, consider:
Narrowing the toolset students need to use to complete required activities
Using the full suite of native tools in D2L – including the discussion board, the calendar, and the checklist
Providing opportunities for students to interact with you and each other in a no-stress, non-academic setting (perhaps via Zoom before or after class)
Re-visiting assignment and project descriptions to very clearly indicate how students use tools, seek assistance, and can contact you and/or their peers
Building in multiple points of clarification and reminders of due dates and work processes
You can also check out this from SOIREE:
Resources to Build Inclusivity and Community
Theme 3: Perceptions of learning environment
Questions in this theme indicate students' self-perception of their learning and the learning environment. Three of these questions are open-ended, so you want to make sure you’re recognizing the time it takes students to provide this type of feedback. An easy way to find patterns in the open ended responses is to paste all them into a word cloud generator. Consider using this tool: https://worditout.com/word-cloud/create Theme 3 example questions: This course's meetings and activities motivate me to learn. The way new concepts are introduced is aligned with my learning style. Overall, my learning in this course meets my expectations. What elements of class have contributed to or proved most helpful for your learning so far? What could be added or changed to reduce barriers to learning in this class so far?
After you consider the responses to these questions in addition to the items in the themes above, you have information to adapt your plan for the remainder of the semester. Be sure to tell your students what you’re changing and why (based on what feedback). Asking for feedback without following up can suggest to students that their opinions might not matter, and harm your relationship. Instead, address opportunities for what you and they can do to make the most of the semester, share your intended plans for utilizing the feedback, and thank students for their honesty, inviting them to continue working with you to improve the course.
You can also consider checking out these additional resources from SOIREE:
Student to Instructor interactions & engagement
Student to student interactions & engagement
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Preparing students for course mid-semester feedback
So you've built a mid-semester feedback instrument for your course. What's next?
Explain to students why you are collecting anonymous feedback in the middle of the semester.
Provide an overview of the process, including when it will take place, how you plan to use the feedback, and when you will share results with the class.
Share advice on how students can give constructive feedback, such as describe, evaluate, and suggest (the instrument itself enables all three).You can share the survey in the body of a message to students (via e-mail, d2l, or other previously determined mode of course communication).
Here is some sample language you could include in a message (feel free to copy/paste or adapt):
In an effort to make sure our class is providing a valuable learning experience for you and your classmates, I’ll be sending out a “mid-semester feedback” survey. This is your opportunity to anonymously share your thoughts on what is working in class and what could be better. No identifying information is collected as a part of the survey and the results are shared with me as a single dataset. I will not be able to identify individual student identities. Your feedback will help me to design and facilitate this course in a way that is meaningful for you. If there are things I could change to make the course more effective I want to know. I’ll use this feedback to inform the remainder of the semester. Thank you in advance for your participation.
You could also choose to build in 10 minutes of time at the start of one of your synchronous course sessions (if applicable) for students to complete the survey. Tip: build this time in at the start of class to avoid feedback being based solely on that day’s activities.
Always be sure to thank your students for participating in the process of improving the class and remember course feedback should always be anonymous!
Explain to students why you are collecting anonymous feedback in the middle of the semester.
Provide an overview of the process, including when it will take place, how you plan to use the feedback, and when you will share results with the class.
Share advice on how students can give constructive feedback, such as describe, evaluate, and suggest (the instrument itself enables all three).You can share the survey in the body of a message to students (via e-mail, d2l, or other previously determined mode of course communication).
Here is some sample language you could include in a message (feel free to copy/paste or adapt):
In an effort to make sure our class is providing a valuable learning experience for you and your classmates, I’ll be sending out a “mid-semester feedback” survey. This is your opportunity to anonymously share your thoughts on what is working in class and what could be better. No identifying information is collected as a part of the survey and the results are shared with me as a single dataset. I will not be able to identify individual student identities. Your feedback will help me to design and facilitate this course in a way that is meaningful for you. If there are things I could change to make the course more effective I want to know. I’ll use this feedback to inform the remainder of the semester. Thank you in advance for your participation.
You could also choose to build in 10 minutes of time at the start of one of your synchronous course sessions (if applicable) for students to complete the survey. Tip: build this time in at the start of class to avoid feedback being based solely on that day’s activities.
Always be sure to thank your students for participating in the process of improving the class and remember course feedback should always be anonymous!
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Foundations of the Example Mid-Semester Feedback Questions
Foundations of the Hub's Mid-Semester Feedback Instrument:
Generally, mid-semester feedback is formative and focuses on three basic questions:
1.What would students like to see more of?
2.What would students like to see less of?
3.What would students like to see done differently?
The sample questions provided can be used to build an insturment for students at any moment, although mid-semester is most desired because students will have had enough experience to share feedback and there is still time to make changes to the course, if necessary. There are colleagues across the university who already incorporate mid-semester feedback into their educator practice, or who have support from their unit to do this work. The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (formerly Hub for Learning and Technology) is offering resource to compliment the great work that is already happening, and provide mid-semester feedback support broadly.
We encourage you to built an instrument that is short, and includes both scaled and open-ended questions. The intention is to gain insight into the student experience as it relates to the structure of the course, not specifically on the instructor.
Mid-semester feedback instruments tend to be generic, but you have the opportunity to use these sample questions in constructing an insturment that is helpful to you and tailored to your course(s). We have drawn from the work of colleagues at Princeton, Vanderbilt, Brown, Kansas, Yale, North Carolina, and MSU’s Broad College of Business to build this list of sample questions. We thank them.
Generally, mid-semester feedback is formative and focuses on three basic questions:
1.What would students like to see more of?
2.What would students like to see less of?
3.What would students like to see done differently?
The sample questions provided can be used to build an insturment for students at any moment, although mid-semester is most desired because students will have had enough experience to share feedback and there is still time to make changes to the course, if necessary. There are colleagues across the university who already incorporate mid-semester feedback into their educator practice, or who have support from their unit to do this work. The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (formerly Hub for Learning and Technology) is offering resource to compliment the great work that is already happening, and provide mid-semester feedback support broadly.
We encourage you to built an instrument that is short, and includes both scaled and open-ended questions. The intention is to gain insight into the student experience as it relates to the structure of the course, not specifically on the instructor.
Mid-semester feedback instruments tend to be generic, but you have the opportunity to use these sample questions in constructing an insturment that is helpful to you and tailored to your course(s). We have drawn from the work of colleagues at Princeton, Vanderbilt, Brown, Kansas, Yale, North Carolina, and MSU’s Broad College of Business to build this list of sample questions. We thank them.
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
You've asked your students for mid-semester feedback. What's Next?
1. Review the feedback
You want to ensure students feel their feedback is valuable to you and the course, so keep your students abreast on where you are in the review process. Are you synthesizing data? Noting key themes? Maybe you're working on a way to present the anonymous findings back to your class. Regardless, review the data, share it back, and make a plan for change.
2. Quick Tips on How to Interpret the Data
Review our article on how to interpret the data. These tips are adapted from the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative at MSU: Scott Schopieray (CAL), Stephen Thomas (Nat. Sci.) Sarah Wellman (CAL & Broad), Jeremy Van Hof (Broad). Additional sources: Faculty Innovation Center at University of Texas at Austin
3. Discuss with a Colleague
Review this article on debriefing with peers.
There is a body of literature that indicates biases are real and problematic in students’ evaluation of teaching. The goal of this mid-semester instrument is not evaluative of the instructor, but instead is focused on feedback surrounding the learning experience. That being said, be aware that a host of factors including (but not limited to) gender, race, and subject matter, stress, and load can lead students to make statements that imprecisely reflect the actual quality of instruction.
We recognize it can be difficult to look past the most impassioned individual feedback and consider all the data holistically, but remember that the “loudest” voice or the longest comments may not reflect the overall feelings of learners. One helpful strategy is to have someone you trust read the comments before you do, then provide you their overall impressions and filter out any inappropriate remarks.
4. Share with students the common themes surfaced in the data
When you collect mid-semester feedback, you are asking your students for feedback. You want to make sure they feel valued and heard, that they have a voice in your class space, and that their input isn’t being collected just “for show.” You should clearly indicate which elements of their feedback you will and will not act on (and why). We know that students who feel empowered and who see their voice reflected in class activities feel more engaged and are more likely to show positive learning outcomes.
You want to ensure students feel their feedback is valuable to you and the course, so keep your students abreast on where you are in the review process. Are you synthesizing data? Noting key themes? Maybe you're working on a way to present the anonymous findings back to your class. Regardless, review the data, share it back, and make a plan for change.
2. Quick Tips on How to Interpret the Data
Review our article on how to interpret the data. These tips are adapted from the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative at MSU: Scott Schopieray (CAL), Stephen Thomas (Nat. Sci.) Sarah Wellman (CAL & Broad), Jeremy Van Hof (Broad). Additional sources: Faculty Innovation Center at University of Texas at Austin
3. Discuss with a Colleague
Review this article on debriefing with peers.
There is a body of literature that indicates biases are real and problematic in students’ evaluation of teaching. The goal of this mid-semester instrument is not evaluative of the instructor, but instead is focused on feedback surrounding the learning experience. That being said, be aware that a host of factors including (but not limited to) gender, race, and subject matter, stress, and load can lead students to make statements that imprecisely reflect the actual quality of instruction.
We recognize it can be difficult to look past the most impassioned individual feedback and consider all the data holistically, but remember that the “loudest” voice or the longest comments may not reflect the overall feelings of learners. One helpful strategy is to have someone you trust read the comments before you do, then provide you their overall impressions and filter out any inappropriate remarks.
4. Share with students the common themes surfaced in the data
When you collect mid-semester feedback, you are asking your students for feedback. You want to make sure they feel valued and heard, that they have a voice in your class space, and that their input isn’t being collected just “for show.” You should clearly indicate which elements of their feedback you will and will not act on (and why). We know that students who feel empowered and who see their voice reflected in class activities feel more engaged and are more likely to show positive learning outcomes.
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Reflecting Forward on Your Semester
Written by Erik Skogsberg
Assessing Your Teaching
In the push to end the semester, it’s tempting to completely disconnect from all that happened in your classes as soon as you submit grades. Now, we certainly hope everyone has a restful break, but we also hope you’ll set aside some time to assess your teaching before next semester begins. This assessment is a crucial piece of your overall development as a teacher and can greatly impact your work with students next semester. In our closing blog post for the semester, we want to provide you with some suggestions for reflecting on fall semester: taking stock of where you’ve been with students this semester and using that information to guide your decisions next semester.
Learning From Your Final Assessment
We can’t underscore enough how important assessment is in teaching and learning. It’s the means with which you gather the necessary info you need on student learning and make evidence-based decisions on where to go next. Now, in ending the semester, you have the focal point of your final assessments to provide evidence out of which to base future teaching decisions. And whether you’re teaching the same course or a completely different one, there’s still much to be gained from this kind of reflection. To help your reflection in connection to your final assessments, we offer the following questions:
Three Questions for Reflecting Forward
1) Did you meet your learning objectives?: You hopefully set out work in your course with some specific overall learning objectives for students. Did students meet them? What evidence do you have in your final assessments? In what areas were they strongest? In what areas did they struggle? In meeting or not meeting your learning objectives, you have some clear areas of focus and further development. And by connecting back across your objectives and final assessments, you can take stock of what you believe worked well for teaching and learning and what did not.
2) What instructional practices worked best?: Think back to the instructional practices and activities connected to the strongest and weakest areas of your final assessments. Perhaps students struggled most with synthesizing certain elements of your course or analyzing a key text. Or maybe you realized students just weren’t able to adequately back up the claims they made in the final paper as you hoped. What instructional activities did you design in order to support them? By identifying these specific practices and activities, you can begin to address any common patterns or clear areas for future focus.
3) Where do you need to grow next semester?: Answering this final question–in light of the previous two above–can send you into next semester with clear teaching goals and areas for your own development. If you’re teaching the same course again, then we’d suggest you start proactively identifying and adjusting areas of your course you know need to work better. If you’re teaching a completely different course, you can still make sure you’re focusing in on similar learning outcomes and/or areas of instructional practice even if the content isn’t the same. For help, in addition to seeking out the assistance of other instructors in your college, we’d encourage you to take advantage of the digital resources we offer on the Inside Teaching MSU website, the upcoming #iteachmsu chats, and The Graduate School and MSU Academic Advancement Networkworkshops. We regularly offer resources and opportunities on our blog, as well as via social media and through in-person workshops. If you aren’t already engaged with us across those spaces, perhaps make that part of your development goals for next semester.
We’d like to know: What process do you use to reflect and build on your teaching between semesters? Where do you find the best support for areas you want to improve? Share your thoughts on social media using “#iteachmsu” or in the comments section below.
Photo Credit: Teach/Learn/Duane Schoon/CC 2.0/Cropped
Assessing Your Teaching
In the push to end the semester, it’s tempting to completely disconnect from all that happened in your classes as soon as you submit grades. Now, we certainly hope everyone has a restful break, but we also hope you’ll set aside some time to assess your teaching before next semester begins. This assessment is a crucial piece of your overall development as a teacher and can greatly impact your work with students next semester. In our closing blog post for the semester, we want to provide you with some suggestions for reflecting on fall semester: taking stock of where you’ve been with students this semester and using that information to guide your decisions next semester.
Learning From Your Final Assessment
We can’t underscore enough how important assessment is in teaching and learning. It’s the means with which you gather the necessary info you need on student learning and make evidence-based decisions on where to go next. Now, in ending the semester, you have the focal point of your final assessments to provide evidence out of which to base future teaching decisions. And whether you’re teaching the same course or a completely different one, there’s still much to be gained from this kind of reflection. To help your reflection in connection to your final assessments, we offer the following questions:
Three Questions for Reflecting Forward
1) Did you meet your learning objectives?: You hopefully set out work in your course with some specific overall learning objectives for students. Did students meet them? What evidence do you have in your final assessments? In what areas were they strongest? In what areas did they struggle? In meeting or not meeting your learning objectives, you have some clear areas of focus and further development. And by connecting back across your objectives and final assessments, you can take stock of what you believe worked well for teaching and learning and what did not.
2) What instructional practices worked best?: Think back to the instructional practices and activities connected to the strongest and weakest areas of your final assessments. Perhaps students struggled most with synthesizing certain elements of your course or analyzing a key text. Or maybe you realized students just weren’t able to adequately back up the claims they made in the final paper as you hoped. What instructional activities did you design in order to support them? By identifying these specific practices and activities, you can begin to address any common patterns or clear areas for future focus.
3) Where do you need to grow next semester?: Answering this final question–in light of the previous two above–can send you into next semester with clear teaching goals and areas for your own development. If you’re teaching the same course again, then we’d suggest you start proactively identifying and adjusting areas of your course you know need to work better. If you’re teaching a completely different course, you can still make sure you’re focusing in on similar learning outcomes and/or areas of instructional practice even if the content isn’t the same. For help, in addition to seeking out the assistance of other instructors in your college, we’d encourage you to take advantage of the digital resources we offer on the Inside Teaching MSU website, the upcoming #iteachmsu chats, and The Graduate School and MSU Academic Advancement Networkworkshops. We regularly offer resources and opportunities on our blog, as well as via social media and through in-person workshops. If you aren’t already engaged with us across those spaces, perhaps make that part of your development goals for next semester.
We’d like to know: What process do you use to reflect and build on your teaching between semesters? Where do you find the best support for areas you want to improve? Share your thoughts on social media using “#iteachmsu” or in the comments section below.
Photo Credit: Teach/Learn/Duane Schoon/CC 2.0/Cropped
Posted by: Admin
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Tips for Students: Giving useful feedback
Instructors can include a link to this post or download this resource to include with their mid-semester survey introduction correspondence to students.
Instructors can include a link to this post or download this resource to include with their mid-semester survey introduction correspondence to students.
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Good Mid-December Morning! Just came across a couple of interesting pieces about AI and how it will, can, and does already impact (higher) education. (In my best Rod Serling voice) For your hopefully copious downtime during Winter Break, I submit:
https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/why-ai-doesnt-worry-me-classroom-and-why-it-does
And the attached file of a May 2023 report from the U.S. Dept. of Education
Jingle-jingle!
https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/why-ai-doesnt-worry-me-classroom-and-why-it-does
And the attached file of a May 2023 report from the U.S. Dept. of Education
Jingle-jingle!
Posted by: Stokes Schwartz
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Here is a downloadable file of the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) mid-semester feedback survey sample questions. You can also access the Google Doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bvWBucqNfRfc938QekLlealPf4XbIbBCg1Bz5UgwUjY/edit?usp=sharing
Please note that there are colleges and units across MSU's campus that are already offering support to their instructors in collecting formative feedback. This effort is to complement these services and make them accessible to the broader MSU instructor community. Feel free to use these questions verbatim, or tailor to best suit your course(s).
Please note that there are colleges and units across MSU's campus that are already offering support to their instructors in collecting formative feedback. This effort is to complement these services and make them accessible to the broader MSU instructor community. Feel free to use these questions verbatim, or tailor to best suit your course(s).
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Messaging your students early in the semester is essential. For initial communication use the "email student in a class" tool on the RO site to ensure you're contacting 100% of your students via their preferred contact information. It's especially important that you communicate A) where class will convene, B) when class will convene, C) what your expectations for the first 3 weeks of class are, and 4) a brief introduction of yourself. It is also wise to attach a copy of your syllabus to this note, if you see fit.
This tool provides the highest level of certainty that you will be communicating with the most accurate roster of your students, and that the message will be delivered to their preferred email address. Once you meet as a class and have time to establish communication norms you can communicate using whatever tool is best for your class.
The tool can be found in Instructor Systems on the registrar's site (reg.msu.edu). You'll need to login with your MSU ID to access the tool.
This tool provides the highest level of certainty that you will be communicating with the most accurate roster of your students, and that the message will be delivered to their preferred email address. Once you meet as a class and have time to establish communication norms you can communicate using whatever tool is best for your class.
The tool can be found in Instructor Systems on the registrar's site (reg.msu.edu). You'll need to login with your MSU ID to access the tool.
Posted by: Jeremy Van Hof
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: #iteachmsu
A very interesting piece on Faculty Focus this morning about how we can combat Compassion Fatigue. Here's the link:
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/why-am-i-so-tired-reflections-on-compassion-fatigue/?st=FFdaily%3Bsc%3DFF220406%3Butm_term%3DFF220406
Since cross-country skiing is over for the season here in Mid-Michigan, I plan to spend an hour or two this afternoon applying paint to some 30mm Seven Years War military miniatures (What a nerd!) in the name of critical self-care.
Kind Regards,
Stokes
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/why-am-i-so-tired-reflections-on-compassion-fatigue/?st=FFdaily%3Bsc%3DFF220406%3Butm_term%3DFF220406
Since cross-country skiing is over for the season here in Mid-Michigan, I plan to spend an hour or two this afternoon applying paint to some 30mm Seven Years War military miniatures (What a nerd!) in the name of critical self-care.
Kind Regards,
Stokes
Posted by: Stokes Schwartz
Navigating Context
Posted on: #iteachmsu
In a conscious attempt during the last two or three years to include high impact teaching practices as part of the courses I teach here at MSU, I have my students write reflections on their individual assignments each week, team reflections for their three collaborative projects, and an individual semester reflection during Week 15. Here are the guidelines I provide each week to help individual students (or student learning teams) craft their reflections:
Guidelines for Writing an Effective Reflection and Self-Critique
For your team-based project reflection that is part of this assignment – or individually written semester reflection -- develop and refine two FULL pages in which you discuss the following:
• For you introduction, describe the project in general and your respective activities associated with it.
• Briefly describe the projects, process and skills you will talk about.
• Explain three aspects of the project that your team members found most enjoyable and why.
• Explain three processes used for the project described above. Describe how the processes were challenging and rewarding for your team members.
• What are one or possibly two things you might change about your contribution to the project in question. Why?
• Explain three skills your various team members gained or improved upon during the semester. These do not have to relate to what you have discussed already, but they can.
• Describe why you find these new or improved skills interesting, useful, enjoyable, and/or challenging.
• If there was a problem of some kind, how might you handle it more proactively next time around?
• In your conclusion, do not simply summarize what you have already said. Answer the implied “So, what?” question.
• Leave yourself (and your reader) with something to think about.
• Remember, this is not a forum to complain about other members of your team, assignments, the course, the instructor, or previous grades. Your team should reflect on its work habits, processes, and related choices made.
In addition to the guidelines above, I have also embedded a brief video from Essay Pro into each weekly course module, which includes additional explanation and examples of what reflective essays are and how to write them. Here is the link for those who might be interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH5W0iaayRo
Guidelines for Writing an Effective Reflection and Self-Critique
For your team-based project reflection that is part of this assignment – or individually written semester reflection -- develop and refine two FULL pages in which you discuss the following:
• For you introduction, describe the project in general and your respective activities associated with it.
• Briefly describe the projects, process and skills you will talk about.
• Explain three aspects of the project that your team members found most enjoyable and why.
• Explain three processes used for the project described above. Describe how the processes were challenging and rewarding for your team members.
• What are one or possibly two things you might change about your contribution to the project in question. Why?
• Explain three skills your various team members gained or improved upon during the semester. These do not have to relate to what you have discussed already, but they can.
• Describe why you find these new or improved skills interesting, useful, enjoyable, and/or challenging.
• If there was a problem of some kind, how might you handle it more proactively next time around?
• In your conclusion, do not simply summarize what you have already said. Answer the implied “So, what?” question.
• Leave yourself (and your reader) with something to think about.
• Remember, this is not a forum to complain about other members of your team, assignments, the course, the instructor, or previous grades. Your team should reflect on its work habits, processes, and related choices made.
In addition to the guidelines above, I have also embedded a brief video from Essay Pro into each weekly course module, which includes additional explanation and examples of what reflective essays are and how to write them. Here is the link for those who might be interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH5W0iaayRo
Posted by: Stokes Schwartz
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: Reading Group for S...
My background in Scandinavian languages and literature keeps rearing its head in various ways after many years. Specifically,when it comes to folklore, magical tales, and perilous journeys toward maturation. In a way, I have become a pedagogical Ashland, of sorts, since coming to MSU in 2015. My journey, an ongoing quest if you will, has been in trying to find that one magical key, which will unlock the enchanted door to greater student interest and involvement in their general education course requirements.
Those of us who teach these courses know that, too often, many students view gen. ed. requirements as hoops to jump through. Something they must satisfy to graduate. Subjects that, they feel, have little to do with the real world, their intended majors, or envisioned careers. Scheduling and convenience more than genuine interest seem to be the determining factor for many students when they choose to enroll in such courses. Put the head down, muddle through, and get it done with as little effort as possible.
But there might be another way.
In my own ongoing quest to motivate and engage the students in my various IAH courses more effectively, I have come back to Bloom's Taxonomy again and again since first learning about it in the 2016-2017 Walter and Pauline Adams Academy cohort. More specifically, it is Bloom's Digital Taxonomy, revised by various scholars for use with 21st century students who exist in an increasingly digital world, that has been especially useful when it comes to designing assessments for my students.
For those who are interested, there are all kinds of sources online -- journal article pdfs, infographics, Youtube explainer videos, etc. -- that will be informative and helpful for anyone who might be interested in learning more. Just search for 'Bloom's Digital Taxonomy' on Google. It's that easy.
For my specific IAH courses, I organize my students into permanent student learning teams early each semester and ask them to create three collaborative projects (including a team reflection). These are due at the end of Week Five, Week 10, and Week 14. Right now, the projects include:
1) A TV Newscast/Talkshow Article Review Video in which teams are ask to locate, report on, review, and evaluate two recent journal articles pertinent to material read or viewed during the first few weeks of the course.
2) A Readers' Guide Digital Flipbook (using Flipsnack) that reviews and evaluates the usefulness of two books, two more recent journal articles, and two blogs or websites on gender and sexuality OR race and ethnicity within the context of specific course materials read or viewed during roughly the middle third of the course.
3) An Academic Poster (due at the end of Week 14) in which student teams revisit course materials and themes related to gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and identity. In addition, students are asked to examine issues of power, marginalization, disparity, equity, etc. in those same sources and look at how these same issues affect our own societies/cultures of origin in the real world. Finally, student teams (in course as diverse as Film Noir of the 1940s and 50s, Horror Cinema, and the upcoming Contemporary Scandinavian and Nordic Authors) are asked to propose realistic, concrete solutions to the social problems facing us.
Anecdotally, student feedback has been largely very favorable so far. Based on remarks in their team reflections this semester (Fall 2021), students report that they enjoy these collaborative, creative projects and feel like they have considerable leeway to shape what their teams develop. Moreover, they also feel that they are learning quite a bit about the material presented as well as valuable 21st century employability skills in the process. Where their all important assignment grades are concerned, student learning teams in my courses are meeting or exceeding expectations with the work they have produced for the first two of three team projects this semester according to the grading rubrics currently in use.
Beginning in Spring 2022, I plan to give my student teams even more agency in choosing how they are assessed and will provide two possible options for each of the three collaborative projects. Right not, these will probably include:
Project #1 (Recent Journal Article Review and Evaluation)-- Powtoon Animated TV Newscast OR Infographic
Project #2 -- (Review and Evaluation of Digital Sources on Gender and Sexuality OR Race and Ethnicty in our specific course materials) Flipbook OR Podcast
Project #3 -- (Power, Marginality, Disparity, Equity in Course Materials and Real World of 21st Century Problem-Solving) Electronic Poster OR Digital Scrapbook.
Through collaborative projects like these, I am attempting to motivate and engage the students in my IAH courses more effectively, help them to think more actively and critically about the material presented as well as the various social issues that continue to plague our world, and provide them with ample opportunity to cultivate essential skills that will enable their full participation in the globalized world and economy of the 21st century. Bloom's (Revised) Digital Taxonomy, among other resources, continues to facilitate my evolving thought about how best to reach late Gen Y and Gen Z students within a general education context.
If anyone would like to talk more about all of this, offer constructive feedback, or anything else, just drop me a line. I am always looking for those magic beans that will increase student motivation and engagement, and eager to learn more along the way. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy has certainly been one of my three magical helpers in the quest to to do that.
Those of us who teach these courses know that, too often, many students view gen. ed. requirements as hoops to jump through. Something they must satisfy to graduate. Subjects that, they feel, have little to do with the real world, their intended majors, or envisioned careers. Scheduling and convenience more than genuine interest seem to be the determining factor for many students when they choose to enroll in such courses. Put the head down, muddle through, and get it done with as little effort as possible.
But there might be another way.
In my own ongoing quest to motivate and engage the students in my various IAH courses more effectively, I have come back to Bloom's Taxonomy again and again since first learning about it in the 2016-2017 Walter and Pauline Adams Academy cohort. More specifically, it is Bloom's Digital Taxonomy, revised by various scholars for use with 21st century students who exist in an increasingly digital world, that has been especially useful when it comes to designing assessments for my students.
For those who are interested, there are all kinds of sources online -- journal article pdfs, infographics, Youtube explainer videos, etc. -- that will be informative and helpful for anyone who might be interested in learning more. Just search for 'Bloom's Digital Taxonomy' on Google. It's that easy.
For my specific IAH courses, I organize my students into permanent student learning teams early each semester and ask them to create three collaborative projects (including a team reflection). These are due at the end of Week Five, Week 10, and Week 14. Right now, the projects include:
1) A TV Newscast/Talkshow Article Review Video in which teams are ask to locate, report on, review, and evaluate two recent journal articles pertinent to material read or viewed during the first few weeks of the course.
2) A Readers' Guide Digital Flipbook (using Flipsnack) that reviews and evaluates the usefulness of two books, two more recent journal articles, and two blogs or websites on gender and sexuality OR race and ethnicity within the context of specific course materials read or viewed during roughly the middle third of the course.
3) An Academic Poster (due at the end of Week 14) in which student teams revisit course materials and themes related to gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and identity. In addition, students are asked to examine issues of power, marginalization, disparity, equity, etc. in those same sources and look at how these same issues affect our own societies/cultures of origin in the real world. Finally, student teams (in course as diverse as Film Noir of the 1940s and 50s, Horror Cinema, and the upcoming Contemporary Scandinavian and Nordic Authors) are asked to propose realistic, concrete solutions to the social problems facing us.
Anecdotally, student feedback has been largely very favorable so far. Based on remarks in their team reflections this semester (Fall 2021), students report that they enjoy these collaborative, creative projects and feel like they have considerable leeway to shape what their teams develop. Moreover, they also feel that they are learning quite a bit about the material presented as well as valuable 21st century employability skills in the process. Where their all important assignment grades are concerned, student learning teams in my courses are meeting or exceeding expectations with the work they have produced for the first two of three team projects this semester according to the grading rubrics currently in use.
Beginning in Spring 2022, I plan to give my student teams even more agency in choosing how they are assessed and will provide two possible options for each of the three collaborative projects. Right not, these will probably include:
Project #1 (Recent Journal Article Review and Evaluation)-- Powtoon Animated TV Newscast OR Infographic
Project #2 -- (Review and Evaluation of Digital Sources on Gender and Sexuality OR Race and Ethnicty in our specific course materials) Flipbook OR Podcast
Project #3 -- (Power, Marginality, Disparity, Equity in Course Materials and Real World of 21st Century Problem-Solving) Electronic Poster OR Digital Scrapbook.
Through collaborative projects like these, I am attempting to motivate and engage the students in my IAH courses more effectively, help them to think more actively and critically about the material presented as well as the various social issues that continue to plague our world, and provide them with ample opportunity to cultivate essential skills that will enable their full participation in the globalized world and economy of the 21st century. Bloom's (Revised) Digital Taxonomy, among other resources, continues to facilitate my evolving thought about how best to reach late Gen Y and Gen Z students within a general education context.
If anyone would like to talk more about all of this, offer constructive feedback, or anything else, just drop me a line. I am always looking for those magic beans that will increase student motivation and engagement, and eager to learn more along the way. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy has certainly been one of my three magical helpers in the quest to to do that.
Posted by: Stokes Schwartz
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: #iteachmsu
A belated Happy 2022 everyone! Stumbled across a bunch of interesting ideas for (end of semester) digital project ideas for our students at ditchthattextbook.com this morning. Lots of cool stuff here that will motivate and engage students in their learning throughout the semester not just at the very end things. Here is the direct link: https://ditchthattextbook.com/10-ideas-for-digital-end-of-semester-final-projects/
Posted by: Stokes Schwartz
Pedagogical Design
Host: MSU Libraries
MSU Libraries Open House
Start the semester strong. Learn about all of the great services, collections, research expertise, and spaces the MSU Libraries have to offer. Pick up some free swag and meet our many librarians and staff members who can collaborate with you this year. Learn all about our makerspace, Digital Scholarship Lab, Music Library, Map Library, Game Labs and more.
Navigating Context
EXPIRED
Host: CTLI
CTLI Plan-A-Thon
Join us for the CTLI Plan-a-thon! A day dedicated to preparing for a fall semester of teaching and learning. During the event you will have the opportunity to meet with CTLI Teaching Center and MSU IT consultants, work alone, collaborate on course planning or syllabus writing, and attend optional workshops. Stay for the whole day, a part of the day, or come and go as you're able. Connect with us in the ways that are most meaningful to you over warm beverages and conversation.
An optional hybrid-format breakout session includes:
Designing your Syllabus (hybrid from 10-11am)
Open Office hours will be available all day, focusing on pedagogical support and educational technology.
The in-person location for this session is the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Please join us in the Main Library, Room W207 (Training Room 1). For directions to W207, please visit the Room Locations page.
Navigating Context
EXPIRED