Do You Ask Students for Their Input on the Class?

They’re working and learning in your classroom day after day, but have you ever asked your students to share their thoughts about the experience? Some science teachers survey students at the start of every school year to find ways to engage their students by connecting the learning goals to their interests. Other teachers have more frequent “check-ins” with their students on topics ranging from instructional methods to seating arrangements and other topics.

Do you solicit student feedback on your science classroom? Share what you do by taking this informal NSTA Reports poll now.

Question Title

1. How often do you do ask students for their input?

Students know they can make a suggestion at any time

Near the end of most instructional units

Once or twice per year

Every two to three months

Never

Other (please specify)

Question Title

2. What types of things do you ask students about? (Select as many as apply)

How well they think they understand a lesson or activity

Ways to address behavioral issues in the classroom

Their learning styles

How a new instructional approach (such as flipping the classroom) is working

Ways to improve instruction

Whether the classroom arrangement is helpful

Other (please specify)

Question Title

3. How have the majority of students responded?

Didn’t want to be bothered

Slightly negative

Neutral

Appreciative

Enthusiastic

Didn’t want to be bothered

Slightly negative

Neutral

Appreciative

Enthusiastic

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4. What is your preferred method for getting their opinions?

During classroom discussions

Suggestion box

Surveys

As a non-credit question on a test or quiz

As a short answer on an exit ticket

Other (please specify)

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5. How often have you implemented students’ suggestions?

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

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6. Why?

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7. Have you ever asked students for input and your effort failed?

Yes

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8. If it failed, why?

Most students didn’t respond

Students made general complaints and did not provide specific input

Student suggestions weren’t feasible due to financial or time constraints

Student suggestions weren’t feasible due to school policies

Other (please specify)

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9. What are the benefits and drawbacks to asking for student input?

Optional: It's helpful to us to know a little about you when we analyze the survey results.

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10. What is your professional role?

Educator

Administrator

Other

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11. Level:

Elementary

Middle School

High School

Institution of Higher Learning

Informal Education Setting

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12. Location:

State:

Other:

Thanks for your time!