Survey

Friday was last semester day with a 30 minute closing class and I had my students complete a "Share your Thoughts" on: favorite project, had most fun, struggled most when, recommendations, advice to new students. Reading through the anonymous feedback was interesting, I observed my emotional responses, my thoughts, and knew it wasn't about those things. My students were generous, honest, and open, knowing their contribution has an impact on my teaching and those who took future classes. Next time, I will save reading through the survey until I get home, it makes for a disconnect.

I took the survey home, categorized the data, logged it, sorted through it, analyzed it, and for the first time ever register the value of giving such a survey. Their student advice will be given as part of the first day handout sheet and it was primarily about how to work in the classroom framed in their language: "Have fun, try hard, take it to the next level MORE, don't talk when she's talking," working in clay was a huge hit, second to which was painting, and the least favorite was the one day open ended no criteria bookmark or card making assignment.

There were 67 survey respondents: suggestions for more clay, collaboration, and drawing lessons, 8 liked the way I taught, 5 want me to lighten up, 1 refrain from interrupting the class with demos and pointers. Students who got the lesson quickly wanted shorter demos while others wanted them longer. Perhaps next time I will ask students to note their grade level. 7 felt I had too much say over their work; 17 struggled with painting, 11 with clay whistle; 31 loved clay whistle, 14 painting, and 5 each for the remaining projects. 2 enjoyed the class when they were absent. Not all participants responded to all questions.

Painting utilizing value and color gradation, textures, brush control, is difficult and goes beyond the elementary comfort of slopping and pushing pigment around, hence the struggle. Students also apply mixed media, color pencil, and water color paint to ensure 100% success.

Clearly I can see instructional approach needs to be addressed, how do I present information more effectively so students understand thereby negating the need to interrupt class, re-direct students to keeping within assigned criteria (refer more often to the rubric to reinforce the message feedback is objective).

I think a mid-semester survey of this nature would be an excellent feedback tool so I can immediately correct and re-center my approach for greater impact on the population I am presently working with, it's more dynamic and meaningful for both parties.