In the act of teaching, it is not always easy to know how effective you are. You will know when something goes very wrong or when you have done an exceptionally good job. However, it is difficult to know what overall performance you are having. There are several ways for you to do in order to get feedback from students, supervisors and peers, and by self-evaluation. You can use this feedback to improve your teaching skills and raise your confidence.

You need to become rather "objective" about yourself and accept negative comments as pointers to better performance in future rather than as personal affronts. Some ways of doing this are:

• In what way I can improve myself;
• Discussing your difficulties with other TAs or supervisors or course instructor;
• Keeping some information which can help you to solve your problems;
• Attending other people’s classes to see what you can learn from them.

1. Solicit feedback from students

You can get feedback from students both informally and formally:

• By observing the way in which they behave;
• By asking them about your teaching either by group discussion or by using a questionnaire.

Examples of questions in your questionnaire

General effectiveness

• Have you been challenged intellectually by this TA?
• Is the TA interested in the subject?

Planning and organization

• Does the TA state the course goals and expectations to students clearly?
• Has the TA prepared for each meeting?

Communication in the classroom

• Does the TA use examples and other illustrative materials to explain new concepts?
• Does the TA show enthusiasm for the subject?
• Does the TA invite for and respond effectively to questions?

Interpersonal communication

• Has the TA treated you in a friendly and respectful manner?

Marking and grading

• Has the TA stated the standard of marking & grading clearly?
• Has s/he applied fairly?
• Do the TA’s comments thorough & helpful?
• Has the TA returned assignments in a reasonable period of time?

Inviting written comments from students

The advantage is being anonymous and avoid direct confrontation.

For example:

• The thing I like best about this TA is ...
• The thing I like least about this TA is ...
• If I could change one thing in this class it would be ...

To obtain verbal comments you can interview individual students informally or form a small group which can represent students in the class. The group can offer specific advice on matters such as: workload; teaching style; clarity of assignment questions, etc. Also a Suggestions Box in the class can be used. You can get immediate feedback and small problems, and these can be cleared up quickly before they become too serious.

2. Solicit feedback from supervisors and peers

Your supervisor, course instructor, or other TAs can provide you with feedback and assistance. You may ask them to sit your class and make comments.

3. Observe students’ behavior

Students’ response can be a good indicator of your doings.

You can ask yourself:

• What do students do before the class begins?
• How do students react at the beginning of each class - prepare to take notes, grumble, show enthusiasm, go on talking?
• Do students act in desired ways in class? e.g., listen to explanations; ask questions; get involved in discussions.
• What is your relationship with your students? Do they call you by your name and approach you personally to ask questions?
• What positive and negative sentiments are expressed by students? What is their impression of you, your course, course materials or learning activities?

 

4. Monitor your own teaching behaviours

Ask yourself:

• Do I show respect for students? e.g. by not making negative comments, by offering criticism in a constructive way?
• Do I show enthusiasm for the course?
• Do I speak clearly and accurately and in an interesting way?
• Do I take a personal interest in the learnings of my students?

 

To assist yourself in observing students or monitoring your own behavior you can use audio or videotapes during class which can be played back later to make you know about what is happening in the classroom.

Back to Top