Teaching this semester has been really enjoyable. I've felt pretty confident and enjoyed lots of different aspects. Until this week, I had lots of positives to share, and just positives, with the exception of how long it takes to prepare. Then there was Tuesday.
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As recommended, I did a mid-course evaluation. Out of the 80 people that were in class that day, 17 reviews were flattering and complimentary ("love this class" type), most were pretty neutral and fine, but then there were a few (5 or 6) that weren't so nice (making it clear that they don't like the class). A couple were just rude and nit picky, actually.
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So with the range and the proportions, why is it that I chose to focus on the smallest portion - the discontent? Three days later and I'm doing much better with it, but I still haven't completely let it go. It even really bugs me that I'm that irritated, and I wish I could just stop having thoughts about it come to mind. I'm on vacation and I'm kind of having a hard time taking a vacation from my problems. :(
6 comments:
There are always going to be whiners and critics. You just have to focus on the positive, use the constructive comments to get better, and ignore the rude whiners. Regardless of what University you are at, there are the lazy whiney kids who always have something negative to say regardless of what you do and you should not let them get you down. Just remember, its way easier to make up bad things to say than good things... so obviously you ARE doing a great job if that many student did have good things to say.
baby steps.
that's all i have to say.
I've thought about your post for awhile. I've even taken the liberty of writing a longer entry in response in hopes that it makes you feel better.
1. I don't like anonymous class evaluations. Contrary to the popular belief where people think they can be more "open" with anonymity, I feel the opposite. When people have anonymity (chat rooms,any internet communication, etc.), people are more snarky and say things they wouldn't normally say. And without personal interaction, brief communication(akin to texting)is often unclear and can be misinterpreted.
2. Class evaluations are murky in that they don't take into account the mood of the student, whether their feelings are more aimed at the subject or the teacher, if they're still ticked about a quiz, etc. Some people write evaluations as punishment not as constructive criticism meant to help. If they didn't like the way you evaluated them (a test or quiz) they might evaluate you personally with more negative feedback. (remind me to tell you about when I did student evaluations when I taught jr. high, yeah bad idea)
3. College students think they be the bomb. I know, I used to be one. They know you are new and the fact that you did a "mid-course" evaluation lets them know that you're a little more than eager to know their opinion about you. Some people take advantage of that. Even with my favorite teachers at BYU, who still affect me to this day, I had my gripes on certain day. If my grades (esp. on papers) were less than I thought, I considered the professor ignorant and uninformed. (this is true. I really thought this. until I went to law school. i'm still trying to get over the beating over the head i got)
4. The best feedback I have ever received about myself whether as a teacher, spouse, parent, attorney, etc. has been from people who are not anonymous but who I have a relationship with or who I admire, mentors, etc. These people truly give you helpful direction because they want to help make you better and are not there to stick it to me because they thought they should have gotten a B on the test not a c+ or because they thought the last lecture was boring.
Sorry to write an essay, but I just don't want you to be down on yourself because I think you have the qualities of a very effective and influential teacher. If you do continue to do class evaluations, take it with more than a grain of salt. It's actually the one or two students you run into in a few years who tell you how you how you influenced them or changed them in some meaningful way, that's what really counts.
I am right there with you! I gave my students some student evaluations and I just remember that 3-5 students put that they would NEVEr want their sibling to have my class. Thanks.... why is it that I fogot about the other 235 surveys? You are fabulous! Students just think they have to be entertained 24/7. Tell them to grow up!
I am sure that the few disgruntled are just not happy with their grades/the work load. Be happy--it means you are a good, tough teacher who they will actually remember learning from!
Sorry about your negatives. I have a hard time any time I know someone doesn't like me or something about me. For me sometimes it's just better not to know 'cause knowing doesn't really do any good.
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