Gathering Midterm Student Feedback (MSF) is valuable for identifying areas for instructional improvement. Many instructors have found that simple changes early on can help motivate students and enhance student learning. Students tend to like the process because it gives them a chance to voice opinions on issues that are most critical to them, and they appreciate the fact that the instructor has solicited their opinions.
CRLT is pleased to offer both in-person and remote approaches to collecting midterm student feedback. As always, CRLT consultants will work with instructors to design a process that best meets their needs. Please see below for the most common MSF options. In all cases, the process is confidential; the CRLT consultant will share student feedback only with the instructor.
To request a midterm student feedback consultation, please fill out our Midterm Student Feedback request form here. U-M login required. Consultation services are available to faculty, postdocs and graduate students affiliated with the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor campus. If you have an urgent question or concern about a time-sensitive teaching matter, or if you do not receive a response from us within 72 hours of your submitted request, please call CRLT at (734) 764-0505 or email [email protected].
Options for Midterm Student Feedback (MSF) Consultations and Course Observations
Survey Methods
Working with the instructor, CRLT consultants construct a brief survey consisting of closed- and open-ended questions targeted to the instructor’s specific course context and concerns. Surveys are distributed electronically to students with survey results collected and compiled by the CRLT consultant. The survey method can be combined with in-person or remote forms of course observation.
Consultation on Feedback Gathered by the Instructor
For instructors who prefer to collect student feedback themselves, CRLT consultants can advise on a process that will generate the most useful feedback. To access sample templates click here. This method can also be combined with in-person or remote forms of course observation.
Small Group Method
This approach involves the use of facilitated small group discussions among students to identify course strengths and potential changes that would assist their learning. The instructor arranges to have a CRLT consultant visit the class early in the semester. The consultant arrives at the beginning of the class period and observes until there are approximately 25 minutes left. At that time, the instructor turns the class over to the consultant and leaves. The consultant explains the procedure and its purpose and then divides the class into groups of 3-5 students. Each group addresses the following questions:
- What are the major strengths of this course for your learning?
- What changes could be made in the course to assist you in learning?
Students are asked to discuss each of these questions in their groups. The groups then share their responses with the whole class, and the consultant clarifies and records responses.
Course Materials Review
If requested by the instructor, CRLT Consultants can also review and provide feedback about course materials (such as CANVAS organization, syllabi, rubrics, slide decks, lesson plans, etc.) This can be combined with the other methods mentioned above.
Debriefing
Regardless of method, the consultant will meet remotely or in person with the instructor to review student feedback and discuss possible responses. If the consultant observed the class, these observations will also be shared and discussed. Ideally, this debriefing session will take place before the class meets again.
