How is your class going? Get feedback from your students.

Gathering feedback during the semester can help you:

learn about students' class experiences
get feedback on a new approach
invite students to reflect on their learning

One simple way to ask for feedback is to use a survey. For sample survey instruments, question guidance, and tips on responding to feedback, check out this article from the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative.

The Student Instructional Feedback Technique

The Student Instructional Feedback Technique (SIFT) is a way to get meaningful student feedback to improve your course and student learning. Through this program offered by the Center fo r Teaching, Learning, & Mentoring, participants will receive actionable feedback, gain new ideas for teaching and learning, and support student reflection on learning.

TA Award Nominations are Still Open!

We are still accepting nominations for the Campus-Wide Teaching Assistant Awards! Check with your teaching department to learn their nominating procedure or seek nomination. Nominations for TA Awards are due Monday, November 17th at 5:00pm.

Teaching Tips from Experienced TAs

Teaching Mentors serve as facilitators at the annual L&S Fall TA Training event. Those selected to be Teaching Mentors have a proven track record of excellence as educators and a strong desire to mentor TAs.

This Week's Teaching Mentor:

Patricia Haberkorn is a PhD student in Second Language Acquisition and German.

"Mid-Semester Feedback" with Patricia Haberkorn

"Feedback is crucial for learning, reflection, growth, and improvement – for both teachers and students. Halfway through the semester, my students and I give each other feedback. Before I provide feedback, students look at and comment on their performance and grades on Canvas, including trends and strategies/goals for the rest of the semester. Then, I give individual feedback. To get feedback, I use an anonymous survey in which I ask about course content, students’ amount of work and effort, class activities and assignments, etc. This approach creates transparency and allows us to make changes in the second half of the semester."

Ready for a fun break? The TA Training & Support Team invites all graduate student instructors to decompress and connect at the next Sanity Hour! This month’s theme is “Games & Snacks”; so put down the red pen and join other grad students for some casual games, playful competition, and relaxed conversation. Come recharge in a supportive community (your sanity will thank you)! No preparation needed—just bring yourself. Today, October 16, 4:00-5:30PM, Van Vleck B115

Connect & Learn with the Teaching Academy

The Teaching Academy cares about good teaching, and would love to hear your stories at their events throughout the year. The mission of the Academy is to promote, recognize and support excellence in teaching and learning among faculty, staff and students across campus and beyond. It is made up of approximately 500 Fellows, Future Faculty Partners, and Affiliates from a wide range of campus departments and programs. Graduate students are eligible to become members.

Learning Forward is brought to you by the L&S TA Training & Support Team.

L&S Teaching & Learning Administration
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