I did my first round of interim feedback last week.  I asked students to comment on their DC Circuits course:

• What do you like?
• What do you dislike?
• How are we doing with respecting our class norms?

Summary

Overall, students seem to appreciate the critical thinking approach.  They are warming to the idea that the purpose of a question is not necessarily to catch someone out, and they are noticing the difference in how it feels to think quickly vs. slowly, even if they don’t always love it.

Here’s a sample of the responses.  I’m especially excited about the ones in bold, because they represent things I’ve struggled with in the past.

I Like

“Shop work — If I’m confused about something in class, it really helps to understand better if I do it myself.”

“Being treated as thinkers. I ask a question and we discuss it.”

“Being challenged to think instead of just repeating what is taught like a robot.”

“When you work in a factory you get in a cycle of just doing and not thinking.”

“I like how it’s about science”

“Making things work and learning how it works”

“Everyone’s theories”

“Positive learning atmostphere”

“Makes me realize how much I like electronics”

“Friday assessments are not stressful.”

“Methodical, worksheets are precise.”

“Gets more interesting every day”

“I like that I am now better at asking questions about things that I don’t understand.”

I Dislike

“Nothing”

“A lot of questions go unanswered.  I understand we will learn for ourselves a lot but others are nice to have answered when brought up.”

“Pace is a bit fast. Need more time to understand theories.”

“Pace is a bit slow.  But I do realize we all have to be on the same level and learn the basics first.”

“I dislike feedback sheets, but I really don’t care how I learn,”

“Methodical, work sheets can sometimes slow down what should be a simple task.  Am willing to take good with the bad in this case.”

“In the beginning I was frustrated about the research we had to do on electrons, atoms, and charge.  I understand why you had us do that though.  I just found it hard and tedious.”

What’s Going Well With our Rights and Responsibilities?

“Respectful / Positive / Relaxed / Professional / No one makes fun of anyone else”

“Following directions”

“Work ethic”

“Everyone gets along”

“Giving everyone a say in discussions”

“Helping others”

“Answering questions”

“Every one is here to learn”

“Asking questions and being open about concerns”

“You are definitely challenging us and making us think.”

“I think we’re learning to say ‘I don’t know’ and allow for knowledge gaps.”

What Could We Improve About our Rights and Responsibilities?

“Nothing”

“Talking while others are talking.  ”

“Give more help time for those who are a little slower”

“More deeper explanation”