A. Introductory
Statement
It is the purpose of this policy to facilitate
continuing improvement in faculty instruction at Michigan Technological
University. Properly implemented, it will provide students a formal mechanism to
provide constructive feedback early in a teaching term for the immediate
identification of ways of improving a course in progress, including a need for
supplemental material, difficulties with classroom presentations, or other
elements of a particular course. The feedback device is a written survey of the
students, administered and read by the instructor alone.
B. Administering the Early-Term Survey
It is recommended
that each class of 10 or more students be supplied with a simple instructional
survey form early in the semester. This could be done as an attachment to the
course syllabus, or as a handout. During the fourth or fifth week of the
semester the instructor would encourage students to complete the survey and turn
in at a convenient location. The survey could also be completed during class
time. The surveys should be collected to maintain student anonymity if the
students wish.
It is recommended that these two questions be used as part of the survey:
Faculty may add additional questions to the survey to elicit student opinions on particular attributes of the course, e.g., on course materials, teaching methods, presentation style, pedagogical methods, etc.
C. Evaluation of the Survey
After administering the
survey, the instructor should read the responses noting frequently-mentioned
items, and substantive criticisms and suggestions. It would be incumbent on the
faculty member to take the appropriate steps to correct problems identified. The
faculty member is also encouraged to discuss in class the notable points made by
the students, indicating whether and how the course might be modified.
Disposition of the survey forms is at the instructor's discretion.
Adopted by Senate: April 25, 2001
Approved by President: May 2,
2001
Became Senate Policy 505.1