Have you ever read your BCQs and wondered if other faculty have received similar comments? Or wondered how you might best make changes based on the comments you read? The patterns that emerge from Bowdoin students’ responses offer possibilities for collectively fostering our development as teachers and for improving students’ learning. Here are five types of constructive comments that are found across divisions, departments, and programs at Bowdoin.
- Students perceive a lack of organization related to overall course or class sessions.
- Students express frustration and disappointment with class discussions.
- Students share that the feedback they receive is not sufficient to advance their learning.
- Students communicate that they weren’t clear on what a professor wanted for an assignment.
- The students’ expectations do not correspond with the course.
These comments and others are good opportunities to reflect on our teaching. Discussions with a colleague, chair, BCLT staff, or associate dean might further help to gain new ideas for how to approach our teaching. Below are some questions and ideas to get started for each of the above themes.