Student Feedback
In order to create a democratic classroom where all voices can be heard, receiving student feedback has been an important aspect of my teaching experience. On multiple occasions I have received both verbal and written student feedback. Student feedback has allowed my students to have a voice in their education. Students are asked to share what works well for them and what changes need to be made for lessons and activities to be more effective. Below are some examples of student feedback after completing various lessons including a factory simulation, role-plays, and a student-led discussion.
"Generally speaking history to me is something I just memorize for the test, try to get a good grade, and call it a day. But when we had the discussion she managed to get me really into it, connecting it to present day, gave history way more depth & interest to me. The discussion was useful because it made the subject interesting to a degree unknown to me, I wanted to say more, learn more, & overall participate more in class."
"I love it. The real life lessons don't come from a textbook. I don't really get anything from taking notes besides a sore hand. Being engaged in a class conversation I'm getting real world skills, social, historical. I'm not taking one dry opinion from a textbook, I'm receiving an organic abundance of knowledge from fellow classmates. I feel more comfortable with my class too. I absolutely love the democratic discussion and I think it should be used everywhere."
"I thought it was really good to get us to participate and be able to know how factories worked and get a little taste of what it felt like to work in one as well. It helped me learn what the working conditions looked like and how strict they were. It was fun to see who wouldn't listen and who would and later having someone rebel for his rights against the factory."
"I feel Ms. Wiemokly is great at making kids feel comfortable in her classroom. The interactive activities she has us do don't only help us learn but it helps to create a comfortable learning enviornment. Ms. Wiemokly's a cool teacher."
"I feel that the democratic discussion was helpful because it made me better understand the War of 1812 because we related the issues in the past to issues that happen today. Especially the subject of the persecution of the Indians and relating back even in the world today there is racism and unfair treating of others based on race, beliefs, and sexual orientation."
"I feel like the role play got the point across and helped me visualize the court cases more than just what the book wrote about them. I found relaying all the facts from the cases was useful."
"It helped me because I became really familiar with one court case and I was able to have fun with it. It made me understand the other court cases because they were funny and the humor helped me to pay attention to what was happening."