Course Evaluations...Now Not Later

This article is a part of the Pedagogy section on the "Philosophy" page. The intent of these articles is to help teachers use proven methods of teaching to improve student performance.

At the end of a semester it is common on most college campuses to give course/instructor evaluations.


It is an opportunity for students to voice their unbridled opinion of the course they just finished and the instructor who taught it. 

The typical questions look something like this:

• What were the strengths of this course?
• What were the weaknesses of this course?
• Did the professor treat the students fairly?

Here is a sample evaluation from Glencoe.

Colleges do this to think reflectively on the effectiveness of a course. Evaluations allow schools to improve courses and determine if staff is doing a good job.

I think that course evaluations are great for reflection. Students are able to voice their opinions and give real feedback on their education. That is powerful.

Just one problem. 

They are given at the end of the course. 

This tool is so ill timed that it basically defeats its purpose. If you want to make changes to your course do it now. 

If your on a sinking ship, don't wait until your at the bottom of the ocean to fix the holes...start repairing now!

An innovative way to do this is through Google Forms. Allow students to give you their opinion of your class and organizes responses conveniently in a spreadsheet.

Christmas break is a great time to get feedback from your students.