Dr. Amelia F. Zwecher is a certified human resources senior-level executive of talent acquisition, retention, and employee engagement for a nonprofit organization, an adjunct professor for eight years at numerous institutions, and an academic consultant for doctoral and master-level students globally. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration.
As educators, we can agree that it’s best practice to regularly review, analyze, and adjust our teaching styles. Every learner has different needs, and this concept could not be more prevalent during a pandemic. Columbia University HCM program does a great job at surveying students in a more formal format twice per semester to help with this process.
We can learn even more as faculty members about our learners’ experiences by prompting them weekly for their feedback. For example, a simple Google form survey (free app in the Google Suite- details below) can go out to learners at the end of every session (consider pasting the URL in your PowerPoint lessons).
Google Forms Example
Compassion for others and a willingness to listen continues to be essential soft skills that we must bring to the classroom. The weekly survey tool serves as an opportunity to offer students a voice in their learning journeys every step of the way. Some learners may be apprehensive about making recommendations directly to improve their and others’ experiences, but they may be willing to contribute in an anonymous forum. Consider creating surveys with open ended questions that allow for written responses. Below is a recap of why this best practice should be considered for future use in the academic setting.
Why Consider Weekly Surveys During the Semester?
- Allows learners to share instant feedback anonymously
- Improve teaching style in real-time based on student needs
- Students feel valued and heard
- Example feedback that can improve the learning journey:
- Speech to text for online learning
- Link resources in the virtual course room instead of adding attachments to every email
- Slower or faster pace in certain areas during class
- Increase time in breakout sessions to allow students more time to complete assignments
- Increased opportunity for open discussion among learners during class
What are Google Forms?
Google Forms is a survey administration software included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. The service also includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Sites, and Google Keep. Google Forms is only available as a web application.
Tutorials/Training Available
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other person or entity.
