Feedback Without Tears
My student evaluations for my fall courses were opened to me over the weekend. I was able to see my ratings and read my students' comments. In the past I've dreaded this moment. It does not matter if the ratings are high and the comments are ultimately positive. One negative comment causes me to self reflect until my teaching soul is raw. Could I have done something differently? Did I miss the mark with one student? Was I not approachable and open, why didn't they feel comfortable letting me know their concern during class when I could have potentially made a change? Now, there is nothing wrong with self reflection and owning your students' successes and failures and yearning to grow to be a better teacher. It's an important part of on-going professional development. However, I have tried to remind myself semester after semester that adult students are also responsible for their learning and I can't control everything and I can't mak...