New Spring Semester Student Survey

The first day back to school after winter break is a big deal to me. I always look at it as a chance to start over, to reflect and revise my methods as needed. Every January I like to give my students a survey that sets the tone for the rest of year, makes them reflect on where they are, and to help me do better as well.

Last year I used this Mid-Year Student Survey, which yielded great results. Unfortunately I already used it in October when I needed student feedback.

I decided to write a quick spring semester student survey with only 5 questions:

1. What goals do you have for this semester in this class?
2. What are you going to do differently this semester?
3. What good things are you going to keep doing this semester?
4. What’s the most important thing Mr. D can do to help you be successful this semester?
5. Additional questions or concerns:

Most of the answers were what you'd expect. Students wanted to pass the class with good grades, come to school more often, talk less and pay attention more. Most kids told me I should make sure I help them, not rush through lessons, and keep on them to turn in their work. Here's a sampling of the more interesting responses:

2. What are you going to do differently this semester?

"Try not to talk as much, but it seems is gonna take a while"

3. What good things are you going to keep doing this semester?

"Si puedo, intentaré ayudar a mis compañeros." ["If I can, I'll try to help my friends."]

4. What's the most important thing Mr. D can do...?

"Nothing cause he's good, and he knows how to teach"
"Help the people who really need it or if someone misses a day help those b/c they will feel lost such as I did due to missing class b/c of college stuff"
"Nothing. I have to be the one to help myself."
"help me; push me to do better"
"keep class quiet which is impossible <- in French accent" 5. Additional questions or concerns:

"I like math a little more now!!!"
"I want to thank you :P for being a good teacher. And trying hard for your students."
"Thank you for been good Teacher :)"

As usual, a lot of food for thought. The document is designed to be printed two to a page (landscape) to save paper.

Spring 2009 Student Survey (via Google Docs)

Previous posts about surveys:

• Mid-Year Student Survey
• First Day of School: sample student surveys, parent letters and more
  
• Another Sample Student Survey