There are a number of strategies that you can use to encourage your students to complete their course evaluations.
Communicate the value of course evaluations overall. Talk about it in class, in course outlines, and in reminders to students.
Communicate the value of course evaluations to you as an instructor. Talk about the ways your teaching has improved as a result of student feedback.
Highlight changes you have made to the course based on previous input from students. Sharing this perspective will show students know that you take their feedback seriously.
Share the following guidelines for providing constructive feedback. This page includes guidelines for writing comments, and ways to express valid criticisms in a productive and respectful manner. From McGill University.
Show the following two-minute video outlining why students should complete their course evaluations. From McGill University.
Show the following 3-minute video on how to provide constructive feedback in course evaluations. From McGill University.
Allow students to complete the survey during class. Remind them to bring their laptops, smartphones, or tablets to class and allow time to complete the survey. It is most effective to do this at the beginning of the class. You and any teaching assistants should leave the room during this process.