Feedback from students in class

As well as the CAD formal feedback processes at the end of a course, lecturers and tutors can also collect informal feedback during a course to gauge how well students are coping with the material. 'One of us has got a lecturer who often asks for quick written feedback at the end of class: what we liked, what we need more of, what we didn’t understand.' [Pasifika students, female]

However in-class feedback also happens ‘on the fly’ and an important part of that is allowing time for clarification and further explanation,

'A good tutor checks your understanding and asks “have you got any more questions” or something like that. If they ask “do you understand” or “is that clear” it’s not so good, because you feel stupid if you say ‘no’ and rude too, because they’ve already explained it to you, so you saying they didn’t explain well enough.' [Pasifika students, female]

'It’s really helpful if lecturers take time during a lecture to check that everyone is following and to give people time to catch up.' [Pasifika students, female]

'When people are talking in small groups (in tutorials or lectures) the discussion is often too quick for me to follow easily. I really appreciate it if the lecturer or tutor stops from time to time and asks if there are any questions.' [Rose, international student, from China]

'I really like it when lecturers listen, and ask open ended questions.' [learning disability, lower SES, male, in his third year at university]

'I really liked it when the lecturers made sure that the readings were discussed in class and handed out their own notes about the readings. It really helped me to come to grips with the reading'. [International PG student, Pacific region, male]

The teaching staff agreed with the students.

You can be aware of where the students are at by constantly seeking feedback. Chris Bowden, Lecturer

You need to make sure that everybody gets it…. I stop and ask if everyone is understanding and ascertain that everyone is moving along at more or less the same pace. Cherie Chu, Programme Director BA Educ

I do some fast feedback about halfway during the course and, as I’ve already mentioned, taking a tutorial is a great way to get a feel for how the course is going. Grant Morris, Senior Lecturer

I constantly check on their understanding – I get feedback from them to make sure that they’re following and understanding the lecture – because if they’re not, then obviously they’re not finding it interesting. No, I don’t use any formal methods to get feedback throughout the course – I don’t really like using icebreakers and so on – though I will sometimes do it if it seems appropriate. I know we get told to use those kinds of techniques but they often seem a bit out of place to me. Tai Ahu, Assistant Lecturer

I conduct a mid-course feedback exercise to find out how the students are coping with the course. This enables me to monitor how all students, including those from non-mainstream backgrounds, are getting on. Karen Smith, Senior Lecturer

Class reps

Class reps can be an important link in the two way communication process. The reps are organised and trained by VUWSA. “They work together with lecturers to provide constructive feedback to both academic staff and VUWSA regarding the quality of teaching and assessment, course content and facilities” VUWSA. Class reps can give good general feedback to lecturers but obviously their position is stronger if the lecturer supports the concept. 'I’ve been in classes where the lecturer has said ‘well, I have to give you time to elect a class rep but I’m not really sure what the point is’. Under these circumstances, the role is obviously less effective.' [LGBT student, male]

'If lecturers want to know that they’re responding to class needs that can use their class reps, get feedback from tutors.' [Pasifika students, female]

Teaching staff also noted the role of class reps.

You also need to give the students a chance to give you feedback. You can use the class rep for this. Grant Morris, Senior Lecturer, School of Law