Some simple guidelines:
- DO give the instructor credit for the good aspects of the course. This includes the overall course organization, reading selection, assignments, syllabus, lectures or activities, comments on papers, willingness to meet with students outside of class, or concern for students. Comment on an effective class session, reading or assignment.
- DO make your comments constructive. Instructors are often interested in improving their courses and sometimes try different approaches which may or may not work. Give specific suggestions as to how the course could be improved (e.g., more timely return of assignments, assignments spread out more over the course of the semester, more group work, another possible text, a helpful article or video).
- DON'T make emotional or “knee-jerk” statements, such as “This course stinks!” If the course material was not interesting to you, if the instructor seemed unfair, if the students in the class seemed uninspired, write these comments and give examples to illustrate what went wrong. Make clear what efforts you made to try to improve the learning process for everyone involved.
- DON'T comment on the instructor’s physical appearance. Focus on items directly related to learning. If an instructor has a distracting or nervous habit, or speaks too softly, he or she will want to know.
Instructors appreciate student comments, so please take the time to fill out course surveys. It shows concern when you take the time carefully to evaluate the course and your own learning.
Source: Professors Ann Engar and Carolan Ownby
