A Message from Teaching Assessment Processes (TAP)
Students are more likely to see value in providing feedback when they can see how input from previous students has shaped the learning experience they are having today.
Student Course Perceptions (SCP) surveys are now open, giving students an opportunity to reflect on and share feedback about their learning experiences. Student feedback contributes to an ongoing feedback loop in which students share their experiences, instructors reflect on what they learn, and future students benefit from resulting changes and improvements.
Many instructors can point to specific examples of adjustments informed by feedback from previous offerings of a course, such as revised assignments, additional learning resources, new opportunities for practice, or changes to learning activities.
Students are encouraged to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback about the aspects of a course that supported their learning, as well as areas where improvements could be made. Specific comments and examples can help instructors understand how course design and implementation decisions impacted student learning experiences.
Closing the feedback loop
One of the most effective ways to support student participation is to set aside a few minutes of class time to share a course-specific example of how student feedback informed a change and then provide time for students to complete the survey.
When students can see how feedback has informed the course they are taking, they can better understand the role their perspectives play in shaping future offerings of the course.
For broader insights into student feedback, visit the TAP Reports to the UW Community page.