ERIC Number: EJ1097175
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0007-8034
EISSN: N/A
Dude, How's My Class?
Telep, Peter
CEA Forum, v34 n2 Sum-Fall 2005
In this article, Peter Telep, an English instructor at the University of Central Florida, discusses the reasons behind his decision to poll students in order to make his English courses more effective. Originally, he assumed that asking for student input regarding a course or even on a particular assignment would damage his credibility. Frustration ensued, and student evaluations were not available until semester's end. He would pour over student evaluations, note common strengths and weaknesses, and become more determined to improve the following semester. After developing a polling system that allowed students to discuss the course anonymously every week, course adjustments were made to better meet the students' needs without sacrificing his credibility. Engaging in this polling process allows teachers to address challenges early on and avoid shocking surprises come course evaluation time. Additionally, the process empowers students by making them active participants in how they will be taught and graded. They begin to own the course, trust in the teacher and the materials, and consider the process fair.
Descriptors: English Instruction, College Students, Student Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness, Student Evaluation, Student Needs, Surveys, Attitude Measures, Confidentiality
College English Association. Web site: http://www.cea-web.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A