Do you want to know what your students think?
The most valuable thing I do each year is to have my kids fill out an evaluation on me (actually 1st at the mid-point, and once at the end of the year). The results have been amazing. In order for it to be most effective your kids have to trust that you will listen to them. I feel like repeating that sentence again but I won’t. I reflected on my evaluation for last year on one of my crazy podcasts last year(the one in which I almost get hit by the dumptruck). It includes the evolution of my evaluation and how it is introduced, collected, etc. I have included it below, the formatting will be screwed up but you can get the gist of what I ask. Next to each question is a box for them to check off. The choices are Excellent, Very Good, Good, Average, Fair, Miserable. There is a link at the bottom to the actual form.
Name(optional – you might want to wait until the end to decide : ))______
Class_________________
In one word describe the teacher______________________________
In one word describe the class________________________________
1 Teacher created an environment that was positive
2 Teacher created an environment safe for risk taking
3 Teacher created an environment that allowed for personal initiative
4 Teacher created an environment that allowed success for all students
5 Teacher created an environment that led to meaningful discussion
6 Teacher created an environment for independent student growth
7 Teacher created an environment with appropriate structure
8 Teacher created an environment that motivated me
9 Teacher gave students the attention they needed
10 Teacher’s ability to respect individual student needs
11 Teacher’s ability to respond to student’s questions
12 Teacher’s knowledge of the subject
13 Teacher’s enthusiasm
14 Teacher’s preparation for class
15 Teacher’s relationship with class
16 Teacher appeared honestly interested in helping students
17 Teacher’s ability to listen
18 Teacher’s ability to keep class interesting
19 Teacher graded assignments fairly
Below, PLEASE write down any comments you have concerning the above statements. Especially any comment below average.
Use the space on the back of this paper to freely express your feelings about the course and teacher. Please be as detailed and specific as you would like but do limit your words to what is truthful, respectful, and most of all useful to future students. Minimum number of words is thirty-five, maximum is 1000. You can write freely, or use the above chart as a guide. This is the most valuable part of the evaluation and I cannot stress enough how carefully your words will be read and listened to! This is your chance to make a change for future students. All I ask is that you be honest.