The midpoint of the course is a great opportunity for faculty to pause and check in with students on their experience thus far and to reflect on their teaching practices and make adjustments. If you haven’t yet taken the chance to reflect on what’s working well and what could be improved in your courses, let me encourage you to do so at this midterm time of the semester. I’ve found this be a refreshing experience in my teaching. It helps me guide my students in reflecting on their own journey, setting goals for continued success, and providing helpful feedback that can be incorporated into my teaching practices for the remainder of the semester.
Student Questions for Reflection and Discussion
The following sample questions for reflection and discussion could be developed into a survey or a reflection journal in Blackboard:
- Has this class met your hopes, dreams, and expectations?
- What kinds of efforts have you made that have helped you have a positive experience in this class?
- What might you want to try next to enhance your learning in this course?
- What connections with classmates have been significant for you?
- What are some of the key points of learning you’ve gained from the course?
- How has this knowledge changed your understanding of the world and yourself?
- In what ways can you apply the knowledge you’ve gained to the compelling issues of our day?
- What steps will you continue taking to ensure your success in this course?
- What adjustments would you suggest your instructor make for the remainder of this course?
Faculty Questions for Reflection
These questions are among those that you can reflect upon to identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for adjustments in your teaching approach and practices:
- What types of learning community have you helped create in your course?
- What steps have you taken to develop an inclusive teaching and learning environment?
- How well are you connecting the material to your students’ personal and professional experiences?
- How are your students gaining a greater appreciation of how your discipline explores the compelling issues of the day?
- How are your students acquiring the skills to engage in constructive dialogue about the many challenges our world is facing?
What additional questions would you suggest including in a midterm check-in reflection with your students or faculty teaching self-reflection? Leave a comment with your feedback!
