To further support instructors, the Institute offers 1-hour open office hours dedicated to answering questions, assisting with analysis, and guiding planning for debriefing with students.
The Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning recognizes the value of formative feedback to instructors. Formative feedback provides instructors insight into what is working and not working in a course and allows the opportunity to make reasonable changes.
The Mid-Course Feedback on Instruction (MCFI) survey is a voluntary program that enables instructors to collect confidential formative feedback from students and plan potential changes for the current term. The MCFI is administered by the University Registrar. Instructors of all courses eligible for an end of course Survey on Student Learning Experience (SSLE) can opt-in to the MCFI.
Gathering feedback early in a course creates the opportunity for instructors to have conversations with students about the feedback and their plans to implement changes (as well as what kinds of changes may not be feasible during the term), adding transparency to instructional methods and course design. Instructors are able to reinforce course goals and outcomes during the process. Finally, gathering formative feedback can emphasize and support students’ responsibility for their own learning and how they can support it.