How’s Class?Informal Early Feedback –

A Tool for Assessment

Laura Hahn, Ph.D.

Center for Teaching Excellence

iFoundry

If You’re Wondering What They’re Thinking and How They’re Learning…

Ask them!

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

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

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

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

Resources and References

Angelo, T.A.; Cross, K.P. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, 2nd 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