Student Feedback
We are continuously assessing and providing feedback to our students, they should do the same with faculty. They are the most accurate source of pertinent insight and critique on our pedagogue, course design, and classroom management. Our students are customers and they are in many ways our “bosses”. Continually checking in with students throughout the semester is paramount to everyone’s success and course adaptation.
Every class I touch base with students on how the course is going, as well as how they are doing as individuals. Gauging how they are absorbing material, keeping up with long term assignments, asking about timelines in other classes with workload, and attempting to grasp overall experience. While this may seem like a informal assessment of classes and student experience, it provides instant and dynamic insight into where the students are at the present moment, allowing for immediate adjustment.
In my courses, we often deal with extremely sensitive and emotionally triggering topics. Being aware of students’ well-being allows me to make any modifications to the timing of sensitive material, scheduling of intense topics, deadlines, or course design. The requirements of course content are set and determined, however I am more than willing to shift due dates, move topics if necessary, and make minor shifts to a class if that is going to make for a better learning experience for all involved.
Whenever I am discussing an assignment, I remind my students, “if you have a better idea for this assignment or a useful resource, please tell me and we can figure it out!” Numerous times students have come up with innovative ideas that I still use in courses. I think specifically about an assignment student Eva Hoskins suggested that I still use to this day about identifying Car Jung’s Archetypes in media and film – an example of the benefits of listening to and implementing student’s feedback.
Over the years, CMC has used numerous formalized assessment tools for student feedback, IDEA Evaluations, Qualtrics Student Feedback, and individualized student surveys. This has always been important data at the end of the semester about how a class went as well as effective for future course design and build. I take these formalized measures very seriously, but also highly prioritize the informal feedback within class. Having continual communication with students in the semester allows for in course adaptation instantly instead of waiting for the end of the semester. I treat every class like every student I encounter: exactly the same, and that is, completely differently. Every class is unique and special and requires adaptation.
Within many of my final reflections in classes, I ask students to provide direct feedback, if comfortable, about their experience in the course, any suggestions or things they really enjoyed. I incorporate as much of this feedback to deliver better courses in the future and be able to connect course content to student’s experiences.
Please see below reviews and comments from students about their experiences in class, hover over the document and click arrows to skip pages.
Mikita-23.24-Student-Reviews-1Additional Student comments:
~I took your health psychology class over the summer and I just want to reach out and thank you again for how you taught the class. The goal setting project has honestly been life changing for me. I’m still keeping up the goals I set in that class and have increased them. It’s improved my life in every way. Thank you so much!
~Drew has truly transformed my experience at CMC! Returning to school after five years was nerve- wracking, but Drew’s classes provided a comforting transition. His teaching style is exceptional, and I’ve gained invaluable knowledge from him. Most significantly, he has profoundly influenced my mental well- being for the better. His Positive Psychology course equips students with the essential tools for fostering improved mental health.
~Drew consistently goes above and beyond the call of an educator. He always makes me feel like a whole person rather than just a student in one of his classes.
~Drew Mikita is the most supportive professor i have ever had! he cares so much about his students and their success, and creates an extremely positive and encouraging environment for each of us. ‘ve taken a class with him every semester that l’ve been enrolled in CMC.
~Drew has vastly impacted my motivation to learn more about the world through a proactive approach. I look forward to each class as our discussions are just as riveting as they are educational. Drew cares about each student as though they are family, and I’m forever grateful for such an inspiring environment.
~Drew is an incredible instructor who has an amazing way of bringing out parts of yourself you weren’t aware was even there. I feel comfortable and safe in Drew’s classes and able to open up intellectually. I am typically too uncomfortable to open up in front of my classmates, an aspect that is very important in Human Services.
~Drew Mikita creates an environment that that lends a feeling of “safety”, as well as being “heard”, which has brought out a side of me that’s been hiding.
~Drew has been instrumental in getting the new human service degree set up and has made the program a success. This past year he was supportive of the faculty and staff when we had the loss of a student. Setting up meaningful memorials and providing support whenever needed. He is always present for student faculty activities helping everyone to engage and feel comfortable and provide a sense of community.
And my favorite comment from Rate My Professor: “The coolest professor I’ve ever had. I respect the mid-30’s Home Depot dad vibes.”