There are a number of benefits to implementing a mid-semester check-in. In addition to the targeted feedback provided to course instructors, some studies suggest that soliciting student input can influence how students view their roles as members of the learning community and can bolster positive perceptions of their learning and the learning environment (Hurney, et al, 2014; Hunt, 2003; McGowan & Osguthorpe, 2011). It can also be a valuable moment for both students and instructors to be metacognitive about learning and teaching. (Berkeley Center for Teaching and Learning)
Ways to Conduct Mid-semester course feedback
- Survey in class or on Canvas
- Learning assistant facilitated conversation in class
- Mid-semester course analysis with Katie Byrnes from the Baldwin Center
Mid-Semester Course Analysis
Based on the faculty member’s input for what they would like to know from their students, student reflection questions will be designed. The BCLT consultant/learning assistant will spend about 20-30 minutes during one class meeting talking with students, without the course instructor present, to answer the reflective questions. Questions may address:
- On average, how many hours per week have you spent on this course including attending classes, doing readings, reviewing notes, writing papers, and any other course-related work?
- What helps you learn in this course?
- What hinders your learning in this course?
- What suggestions do you have to improve learning in this course?
- How are you helping your learning in this course?
- How are you hindering your learning in this course?
- What could you do to improve your learning in this course?
Students will discuss questions in small groups, share some responses visually, and in writing. The BCLT consultant/learning assistant will facilitate a whole class reflection process and take notes on the observations and experiences shared. The BCLT consultant/learning assistant will share the results from the discussions with the course instructor in a one-on-one confidential meeting that protects students’ anonymity.
To request a Mid-Semester Course Analysis, email Katie Byrnes.
Example Questions from Bowdoin Faculty:
Kana Takematsu-Chemistry
Q1. Now that we have reached mid-semester and you have had time to reflect on the midterm material, (a) how will you change your study approach in the future? (b) Do you need help developing a study strategy for the course?
Q2. What activities/assignments have been helpful to your learning? What suggestions, if any, would you offer?
Q3. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Is there anything we can do to support our class community?
Q4. If you have any additional concerns or suggestions to improve the lab and/or lecture experience, please feel free to share them here.
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Doris Santoro- Education
Assess your own level of understanding of the course material. (I’d say that a 3 is “confused at times, but not stressed!”)
1 2 3 4 5
I am prepared to engage in class
- Less than 20% of the time.
- 20%-40% of the time
- 40%-60% of the time
- 60%-80% of the time
- More than 80% of the time
- 100% 100% 100% !!!
What supports your learning in this class?
What impedes your learning in this class?
What suggestions do you have for improving your learning in this class?
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
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Christopher Chong- Mathematics
1) What has helped your learning in the course so far
2) What has been a challenge to your learning in the course so far
3) Other comments you would like to share regarding the course
I used to use a long list of specific questions, but I like the open ended nature of these three questions.
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Alison Miller- Education
MIDTERM SELF-EVALUATION / CLASS EVALUATION
This survey is not graded. It is anonymous. Please do NOT write your name on it. You may hand it in as you exit the exam. PLEASE CIRCLE 1 RESPONSE FOR EACH QUESTION and then answer the last question.
- The number of classes you have missed so far this semester:
0 1 2 More than 2
- How much of the assigned readings have you completed for class?
<25% 25 – 50% 51 – 75% 76 – 85% 86 – 95% 100%
- How actively do you participate in class activities and discussions?
I do not participate Somewhat active in class discussions Very active in class discussions
- I learn best through:
Presentation / Lecture Small-group discussion Whole-class discussion
- Rate your level of effort in this class compared with your other classes this semester
Very little effort Average effort Above average effort
- Have you contacted the professor outside of class? YES NO
- If you answered YES to question 6, how satisfied were you with that interaction?
Not at all moderately satisfied very satisfied
- What suggestion or request would you make to improve your experience in this class going forward?
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Rachel Beane- EOS
- Index card/sheet of paper example (I’ve used variations on these questions in several classes):
- What supports your learning in this class?
- What do find impedes with your learning in this class?
- What suggestions do you have for ways to improve your learning in this class?
- Anything else that you would like share?
- Intro class learning survey that I distributed through Canvas:
| Description | This learning survey is ungraded and will be collected anonymously through Canvas. The goal of the survey is for you to reflect on your learning in this course and for me to receive feedback on what best supports your learning. |
| Question | Have you found the pace of the class to be |
| Answer | 1. Much too slow 2. Slow 3. About right 4. Fast 5. Much too fast |
| Question | Reading the textbook has supported my learning. |
| Answer | 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neither Agree nor Disagree 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 6. Not Applicable |
| Question | In class small-group activities or discussion have supported my learning. |
| Answer | 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neither Agree nor Disagree 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 6. Not Applicable |
| Question | Powerpoint presentations have supported my learning. |
| Answer | 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neither Agree nor Disagree 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 6. Not Applicable |
| Question | Studying with others outside of class time has supported my learning. |
| Answer | 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neither Agree nor Disagree 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 6. Not Applicable |
| Question | What suggestions do you have to better support your learning in this class? |
| Question | What concepts have you found confusing or would like to learn more about? (The more specific you are the better I will be able to address your point before the end of the course.) |
| Question | The questions and notes posted on Blackboard have supported my learning. |
| Answer | 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neither Agree nor Disagree 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree 6. Not Applicable |