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Scary But Necessary

 If you spend enough time in education, you become a master at filling out a survey. We are always asking for feedback from the adults in the building about the adult tasks educational institutions require. Whether we choose to participate or not, surveys for adults are abundant. The terrifying reality for those providing curriculum resources or professional development services to adults is that these surveys are not always glowing commendations of our work. As a matter of fact, they can sometimes make you cry. Or so I've heard...

As I look through my veil of tears at feedback on a survey, however, I always learn something that helps me improve. 

Yes, that session did need to be more hands on and practical. 

Absolutely, we should have planned less and provided more time for processing and application. 

Unquestionably, we should practice what we preach and differentiate for teachers at various levels.

No...we can't provide better chocolate than the Milky Way Minis.

I do not relish the moment where I sit down to look at feedback on a survey, but I have to do it. If I am going to be effective in meeting the needs of teachers, I have to know what needs teachers have. I have to know what they want from adult learning and whether I have succeeded in providing it. And, I have to actually take that survey feedback and do something with it. I have to change my behaviors to better meet their professional needs.

The same is true in our work with students.

It is difficult to be vulnerable with students by putting our instructional practices on display. However, surveying students for feedback on their learning experiences is fundamental to our own success. Education Week takes on some myths around why we sometimes avoid asking students to evaluate our work. There is no doubt that teachers are the trained professional in the room. However, we would all expect a doctor, plumber, or business manager to intensely interrogate the needs of their patients and clients while implementing their professional training. Education is no different. Our professional training should be used to assess, monitor, and educate the unique individuals in our room. In order to do that, we must seek their feedback. 

There are abundant resources online with sample feedback surveys and questions. Here are a few to start you on your feedback journey or help you hone the surveys you already use:

1. Edutopia Sample Student Feedback Survey

2. Great Schools Partnership Sample Survey

3. Modern Classrooms Project Research Kit and Sample Surveys

4. Panorama Education Survey Question Banks

5. UDL Student Feedback Survey

As the year draws to a close, quell any fear you may have and consider taking the scary, but necessary, step of asking your students for honest feedback on your class. Tears optional.

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