Student Input

There are many different types of student input and they are useful for different applications. Student input gives a forum for students to offer their insight and ideas and feedback not only about the academic interests of the class but also about the way the class is being managed. In some cases student input can even be used to probe the social temperature of the class.

 

One type of student input that I did not any experience with before this class was the idea of having a type of survey before starting a new unit of material. I was never given one of these when I was a student but I can see the major advantages to doing this. It provides a great quick way of gauging the overall knowledge of the class. This would help when planning the unit especially when deciding how much time is needed for particular sections.

 

Similarly, a survey after a unit is complete can be incredibly helpful for multiple reasons. The feedback can help the teacher immediately in the next unit to make changes that might help and also to make changes when the unit is taught again, perhaps the following year. Both of which are invaluable for student and teacher alike.

 

Exit cards are another way to get student input and determine what students are understanding and where there may be general gaps in knowledge. These cards contain the answers to short answer questions that can be answered in just a few minutes that are directly tied into the lesson. Examining these cards can give a quick check into how clearly the information is coming across and how much is being learned by the students.

 

These are just a few examples of how student input can be used to increase the knowledge of both student and teacher within the classroom. I feel productive student input can really give the classroom great direction and spawn fruitful discussions.