When it comes to soliciting feedback on teaching, going to the source—our students—often leads to insightful results. That’s why the CTL offers Mid-Semester Assessment Processes (MAPs), which allow instructors to get student feedback on a course while the semester is still in progress. The CTL performed 32 MAPs across more than 10 academic programs in the fall 2024 semester, and did an analysis of what we heard from students. Here are the five main insights we gained about what Boise State instructors are doing to help their students learn.
- Instructor Engagement & Communication
Students highlighted their appreciation for their instructor being approachable, welcoming, and open to feedback. This includes instructors showing active participation and interest in the subject matter as well as clear and transparent communication around expectations, assignments, and learning evaluation. Moreover, students appreciated when instructors were prepared for class, modeled effective time management, slowed down on difficult topics and provided time for students to ask questions.
- Discussion-Based Learning
Students appreciated guided and open in-class discussions to help them critically analyze and understand the course content while learning from their peers. Interestingly, students also reported that they found discussions about controversial topics or different perspectives to be valuable for growth and deepening understanding.
- Engaging and Supportive Class Structure
Instructors who combined lecturing with interactive elements (e.g., group work, activities, games) kept students engaged and motivated. Similarly, opportunities for hands-on practice, group work, and project demonstrations were celebrated. Regular check-ins and short breaks during long classes helped students maintain their focus. A supportive, non-judgmental environment in which students felt comfortable asking questions also enhanced their learning.
- Resources & Study Aids
Students highlighted the availability of recorded class sessions and slides to help them review material at their own pace after class. Study guides or outlines and pre-lecture quizzes were said to foster better preparation and understanding of the course material. Many students valued presentation slides that focused on key takeaways.
- Real-World Application
Students appreciated learning through real-life scenarios and examples, especially from the instructors’ personal experiences, saying that it added depth and understanding to the learning process and enhanced the relevance of the material.
Are you interested in a Mid-Semester Assessment Process and receiving feedback from your students this semester? Sign up for a MAP!