Posted 8:40 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2024
Ways to Improve Response Rate
It's time to talk about LENS. LENS isn't just another item to tick off our teaching checklist. It's an opportunity to learn about student perceptions of the learning environment you help create to foster student learning. Let’s break down how to make the most of this tool.
Introduce the Why and the When
Start by demystifying LENS for your students. Allocate a slot during class and explain why their feedback is important. Let them know the specifics: when they’ll do it, and why their honest reflections matter. This isn’t just busywork; it’s their chance to offer insight about their own educational journey within your class.
Audience Awareness: Beyond the Classroom
Make it clear to students that their voices echo beyond the classroom walls. Their constructive feedback is imporant to you but also can be viewed by department heads and some administrators.
Value Their Voices
Reassure your students that their constructive feedback can help guide your teaching. Share stories of past course changes you've made based on constructive feedback—highlight what worked, thanks to their input. When they see their words in action, they'll be more inclined to contribute thoughtfully.
Seek the Specifics
Steer them towards the kind of feedback that can help create a course change. General comments are hard to interrept and use for edits. Encourage students to reflect on what aspects of the course or your instruction aided in their academic success and what could be adjusted for future students.
Safeguarding Anonymity
Reinforce the anonymity of LENS. Many students might hold back, fearing their words could impact their grades. Ensure they know their feedback is only shared after final grades are submitted.
By using some of these approaches to discuss LENS with your students, we can make strides to get even more thoughtful and constructive comments.
Content partially generate from ChatGPT -- OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (GPT-4 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat