The document discusses the concept of Informal Early Feedback (IEF) as a mid-semester tool for instructors to gain anonymous student feedback on learning and teaching effectiveness. It emphasizes the importance of creating a dialogue with students, identifying teaching strengths and weaknesses, and potentially improving evaluation scores. The document provides guidelines for developing survey questions and utilizing the feedback in class discussions.

1. How’s Class? Informal Early Feedback – A Tool for Assessment Laura Hahn, Ph.D. Center for Teaching Excellence iFoundry

6. If You’re Wondering What They’re Thinking and How They’re Learning… Ask them!

7. What is Informal Early Feedback (IEF)? Instructor-developed surveys Rated and/or open-ended questions Descriptive and diagnostic information Given around mid-semester Anonymous student feedback

8. Why do Informal Early Feedback? Opens a dialogue between you and your students Signals to your students you care about their learning Provides another check of students’ learning Enables you to identify strengths and weakness in your teaching during the semester Can help improve ICES scores

9. Using IEF Develop survey questions on: Learning topics Assessment topics Teaching style topics Rated and open-ended items “ Rate the instructor’s ability to explain key concepts.” Keep Stop Start

10. Using IEF Develop survey questions Give in-class (~10 minutes) Analyze the results Debrief main points during next class Consult with a colleague or specialist

11. Resources and References Angelo, T.A.; Cross, K.P. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, 2 nd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993. Glassick, C.E.; Huber, M.T.; Maeroff, G.I. Scholarship Assessed: Evaluation of the Professoriate San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997. Seldin, P.; et al . Changing Practices in Evaluating Teaching: A Practical Guide to Improved Faculty Performance and Promotion/Tenure Decisions Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co., 1999. http://www.cte.uiuc.edu http://www.idea.ksu.edu/papers/index.html