Acta Scientific Clinical Case Reports

Short Communication Volume 5 Issue 9

Students Feed Back - Periodical for Good Learning Environment

Mary Anbarasi Johnson*

Professor and Head, Pediatric Nursing Department, College of Nursing, CMC Vellore, India

*Corresponding Author: Mary Anbarasi Johnson, Professor and Head, Pediatric Nursing Department, College of Nursing, CMC Vellore, India.

Received: August 01, 2024; Published: August 25, 2024

Citation: Mary Anbarasi Johnson., et al. “Students Feed Back - Periodical for Good Learning Environment". Acta Scientific Clinical Case Reports 5.9 (2024):21-24.

Abstract

Gathering periodic feedback from students is a crucial practice for fostering a conducive learning environment. This process involves implementing various strategies such as regular surveys, anonymous feedback boxes, one-on-one meetings, focus groups, and mid-semester evaluations. By asking a mix of open-ended, rating scale, multiple choice, and Likert scale questions, educators can gain comprehensive insights into students' experiences and challenges. Analyzing this feedback allows educators to identify common trends and areas for improvement, leading to actionable changes that enhance the overall learning experience. Communicating these changes back to students further reinforces their value in the educational process. The benefits of periodic feedback include increased student engagement, improved teaching methods, early identification of issues, and heightened student satisfaction. By creating a dynamic and responsive learning environment, educators can ensure that teaching methods and materials continuously evolve to meet the needs of their students effectively.

Keywords:Fostering; Students; Teachers; Learning Environment

Introduction

In the realm of education, creating and maintaining a conducive learning environment is paramount for student success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by systematically gathering and acting upon feedback from students. Periodic feedback provides educators with invaluable insights into the effectiveness of their teaching methods, the relevance and clarity of course materials, and the overall classroom environment. By understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of students, educators can enhance engagement, improve learning outcomes, and foster a more supportive and dynamic educational experience [1].

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This introduction explores the importance of periodic feedback in education and outlines various strategies for collecting and utilizing student input. By leveraging tools such as regular surveys, anonymous feedback boxes, one-on-one meetings, focus groups, and mid-semester evaluations, educators can create a responsive learning environment that adapts to the evolving needs of students. Additionally, the introduction highlights the types of questions that can elicit meaningful feedback and discusses the benefits of a feedback-driven approach in education. Implementing a structured feedback system not only helps identify and address issues early but also demonstrates to students that their opinions are valued and instrumental in shaping their educational journey. As a result, educators can foster a culture of continuous improvement, leading to enhanced student satisfaction and academic achievement [2].

Background

The educational landscape has increasingly recognized the critical role of student feedback in shaping effective teaching practices and fostering an environment conducive to learning. Traditionally, feedback mechanisms in education have been primarily summative, collected at the end of a course or academic period. However, this approach often delays necessary adjustments, potentially impacting the overall learning experience. As education evolves to become more student-centered, the focus has shifted towards more dynamic, formative feedback processes that provide real-time insights into students' experiences [3].

Research has consistently shown that periodic feedback can significantly enhance educational outcomes by enabling timely interventions and adjustments. For example, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that regular feedback helps identify and address learning barriers, thereby improving student engagement and achievement. Similarly, the literature highlights that feedback fosters a sense of agency among students, as they see their input leading to tangible changes in their educational environment [4].

Various educational institutions have adopted different strategies for collecting student feedback. Regular surveys, both online and paper-based, provide a broad spectrum of data on teaching effectiveness, course content, and classroom dynamics. Anonymous feedback boxes offer a safe avenue for students to voice concerns without fear of repercussions. One-on-one meetings and focus groups facilitate deeper, qualitative insights into student experiences, while mid-semester evaluations allow for timely course corrections. Implementing a structured feedback system involves asking the right questions. Open-ended questions can uncover nuanced issues, while rating scales, multiple choice questions, and Likert scales offer quantifiable data that can be tracked over time. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the student experience [5].

The benefits of periodic feedback are multifold. It enhances student engagement by making them active participants in their education. It allows educators to continuously refine their teaching methods, leading to more effective instruction. Early identification of issues prevents small problems from escalating, and overall, it leads to higher student satisfaction and better learning outcomes [6].

Gathering periodic feedback from students can significantly enhance the learning environment by ensuring it remains conducive to their needs. Here are some strategies and methods to implement this effectively.

Strategies for collecting feedback

Regular surveys

  • Use online tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or institutional platforms to create surveys.
  • Include questions about teaching methods, course materials, classroom environment, and any challenges faced.

Feedback boxes

Place anonymous feedback boxes in classrooms or common areas where students can drop their suggestions or concerns.

One-on-one meetings

Schedule regular individual meetings with students to discuss their progress and get personalized feedback.

Focus groups

Organize small group discussions to gather in-depth feedback on specific aspects of the learning experience.

Mid-semester evaluations

Conduct evaluations halfway through the semester to identify and address issues before the course ends [7].

Types of questions to ask

Open-ended questions

  • What do you like most about this course?
  • What challenges are you facing in this course?

Rating scale questions

  • Rate the effectiveness of the teaching methods used in this course.
  • Rate the clarity of the course materials provided.

Multiple choice questions

  • Which aspect of the course do you find most engaging?
  • Lectures
  • Group discussions
  • Practical exercises
  • Online resources

Likert scale questions:

  • I feel comfortable asking questions in this class.
  • Strongly agree
  • Agree
  • Neutral
  • Disagree
  • Strongly disagree

Utilizing feedback

Analyze the data

Compile and analyze feedback to identify common trends and areas for improvement.

Act on the feedback

Implement changes based on feedback. For example, if students find lectures too fast-paced, consider slowing down or incorporating more interactive elements.

Communicate changes

Inform students about the changes made based on their feedback to show that their input is valued and taken seriously.

Continuous improvement

Regularly revisit and refine teaching methods and materials based on ongoing feedback.

Benefits of periodic feedback

  • Enhanced Student Engagement: Students feel valued and heard, leading to increased engagement and participation.
  • Improved Teaching Methods: Teachers can adapt their methods to better suit student needs and preferences.
  • Early Identification of Issues: Problems can be addressed promptly, preventing them from escalating.
  • Increased Satisfaction: A responsive learning environment leads to higher student satisfaction and better learning outcomes [8,9].

By incorporating these strategies, educators can create a dynamic and responsive learning environment that continuously evolves to meet the needs of students. The strategies for gathering feedback—ranging from surveys and anonymous feedback boxes to one-on-one meetings and focus groups—provide comprehensive insights into student experiences. By employing a mix of open-ended questions, rating scales, multiple choice questions, and Likert scales, educators can gather both qualitative and quantitative data to inform their practices.The benefits of periodic feedback are significant. It empowers students by involving them in their educational journey, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction. Educators can identify and address issues early, preventing them from escalating and negatively impacting the learning experience. Furthermore, continuous improvement driven by student feedback ensures that teaching methods and materials remain relevant and effective. In summary, periodic feedback is essential for fostering a conducive learning environment. It promotes a culture of continuous improvement, enhances student satisfaction, and ultimately leads to better educational outcomes. By valuing and utilizing student feedback, educators can.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating periodic feedback into the educational process is a vital practice for creating a responsive and supportive learning environment. This background sets the stage for exploring the strategies, types of questions, and benefits of such an approach, emphasizing its importance in modern education. Incorporating periodic feedback from students is a transformative practice in modern education, enabling the creation of a responsive and supportive learning environment. By regularly collecting and acting upon student input, educators can make timely adjustments that enhance teaching methods, course materials, and the overall classroom experience. This dynamic approach addresses the evolving needs of students, fostering a more engaging and effective educational process [10].

Conflict of Interests

None.

Bibliography

  1. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The Condition of Education 2021 (2021).
  2. Hattie J and Timperley H. “The Power of Feedback”. Review of Educational Research1 (2007): 81-112.
  3. Brookhart S M. “How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students”. Alexandria, VA: ASCD (2008).
  4. Nicol D J and Macfarlane-Dick D. “Formative assessment and self-regulated learning: A model and seven principles of good feedback practice”. Studies in Higher Education 2 (2006): 199-218.
  5. Kuh GD., et al. “Student Success in College: Creating Conditions That Matter”. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass (2010).
  6. Boud D and Molloy E. “Feedback in Higher and Professional Education: Understanding It and Doing It Well. New York, NY: Routledge (2013).
  7. Black P and Wiliam D. “Assessment and classroom learning”. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice1 (1998): 7-74.
  8. Sadler DR. “Formative assessment and the design of instructional systems”. Instructional Science2 (1989): 119-144.
  9. Yorke M. “Formative assessment in higher education: Moves towards theory and the enhancement of pedagogic practice”. Higher Education4 (2003): 477-501.
  10. Nulty DD. “The adequacy of response rates to online and paper surveys: what can be done?” Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education3 (2008): 301-314.

Copyright: © 2024 Mary Anbarasi Johnson., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.