Mid-semester feedback surveys provide faculty with valuable insights into students' learning experiences. They allow instructors to make timely adjustments and enhance future courses.
Research shows that structured mid-semester feedback improves teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Sozer et al. (2019) found that open-ended survey questions elicited more detailed feedback, leading to measurable course improvements. Mid-semester feedback surveys also open important channels of communication with students, allowing them to tell instructors how they feel about a course and what challenges they may be facing. McGowan and Osguthorpe (2011) reported that faculty who collected and discussed feedback with students saw increased engagement and improved teaching practices.
Important Notes on Customizing the Survey
- Flexibility: The survey questions provided are suggestions. Faculty should modify them to fit the needs of their course.
- Survey length: To encourage participation, consider reducing the number of questions. A shorter survey is more likely to result in higher response rates.
- Anonymity: Emphasize to students that their responses are anonymous to ensure honest and constructive feedback.
- Incentives: Consider offering extra credit to motivate students to complete the survey.
- Survey Results: ÌýReview the survey results with your students. Acknowledging their feedback, discussing themes that emerge, and explaining possible changes can improve their engagement and demonstrate that their input is valued.
If you are not using Canvas, download the Word version of the survey, edit as needed, and distribute it through your preferred platform, such as Google Forms or Qualtrics.
1 - Import the Survey from Canvas’ Commons
1.1Ìý- In , navigate to Commons from the left navigation menu.
1.2Ìý- In the Commons search bar, type Mid-Semester Course Feedback Survey and press Enter to search.
1.3Ìý- Click on the Mid-Semester Course Feedback Survey to preview its content.
1.4Ìý- Click the Import/Download button on the right side of the resource page.
1.5Ìý- In the sidebar that appears, check the box next to each course into which you want to import the survey.
1.6Ìý- Click the Import into Course button to complete the import process.
1.7Ìý- Once the import is complete, access the survey in your course by navigating to Quizzes in the course navigation menu.
2 - Edit and Customize the Survey
2.1Ìý- In Quizzes, locate the imported Mid-Semester Course Feedback Survey.
2.2Ìý- Click the survey title, then select Edit.
2.3Ìý- Review and adjust questions as needed.
2.4Ìý- Check Survey Settings:
- Quiz Type: Select "Ungraded Survey"
- Privacy: Check "Keep Submissions Anonymous"
- Adjust availability dates, time limits, and instructions as needed.
3 - Publish the Survey
3.1Ìý- Click Save & Publish to make the survey available to students.
3.2Ìý- Confirm that the survey appears in the Quizzes section.
3.3Ìý- Send a Canvas announcement to notify students of the survey deadline.
References
- McGowan, W. R., & Osguthorpe, R. T. (2011). Student and faculty perceptions of the effects of midcourse evaluation. To Improve the Academy, 29(1), 160-172.
Ìý - Sozer, M. A., Zeybekoglu, Z., & Kaya, F. (2019). The impact of mid-semester evaluations on course improvement. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 44(6), 873-885.