9.2 Mid-course feedback: what it is and why is it important?
Mid-course feedback involves collecting feedback from students near the middle of a course in order to give the instructor an opportunity to make adjustments and improvements (Harris & Stevens, 2013). Mid-course feedback is a term that refers to a range of techniques for collecting student feedback. In this module, we focus on feedback that is collected anonymously from students using instructor-designed questions, to which the students respond at a specific time as directed by the instructor. For alternative ways to implement mid-course feedback, see the Resources section below.
Information collected through mid-course feedback allows you, the instructor, to make adjustments to your course in order to enhance the learning experience of students who are currently enrolled in your course. You can also use mid-course feedback to engage your students as co-creators of a course, to invite them to contribute to its success, and to help students understand the rationale behind various pedagogical practices you employ.
Benefits for instructors may include:
- Stronger rapport and increased engagement with your students when they recognize you care about their learning
- Feedback from students while there is still time to make changes that can directly benefit their learning and experiences
- An opportunity to address issues in the course before the official end of term evaluation
- Mid-course evaluations can significantly improve students’ faith in evaluations and ability to provide useful feedback (Wachtel, 1998)
- An opportunity to reflect on your teaching
Benefits for students may include:
- Feeling valued and respected through having a voice in the course
- The opportunity to contribute to changes that enhance their learning experience
- Recognition that they have input into the course and there is some flexibility in their learning experience
- Practice giving constructive feedback
- An opportunity to reflect on their learning
(Cook-Sather, 2009)