IDEA Surveys: Exploring New Options
Samantha Jones
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: News
An opportunity for students to voice their opinions, express their concerns and have a direct impact on what changes will be made on campus is right around the corner as Student Senate will hold its third open forum on Tuesday Nov. 17, from 12:25 p.m. - 1 p.m. in Kindlon 164.
The goals for each monthly meeting are similar: to hear what students have to say and to diplomatically come to agreements on various discussions. To top off the agenda, a speaker is invited to each session, shedding their knowledge on the topic of choice. This month's speaker will be Dr. Don Taylor, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
"The upper administration is very busy. Mr. Taylor giving of his time is much appreciated," said Joan Henehan, Student Development Coordinator and Advisor of Student Senate.
The two previous forums were a success; a good number of students turned out to both meetings to show their support for each cause. However, it is up to the students as to the impact each forum will have on the Benedictine community.
"The changes that are made depend on how passionate students are in wanting their voice to be heard in making a change," said Henehan.
Since the topic for each forum is selected based upon the concern sheets that are turned in, the topic for this forum will be the IDEA surveys.
IDEA surveys are anonymous questionnaires given to students to answer in regards to their overall experience within the course they have nearly completed, but they focus on their professor's strengths and weaknesses in teaching the course. The goal of these surveys is to inform the professors of ways in which to improve their teaching, as well as to provide feedback to instructors on the positive experiences within the course they taught.
The concern regarding these surveys is that some students feel that the surveys are not necessarily anonymous. There is a fear among some that their honest opinions may later impact their success in future courses.
The goals for each monthly meeting are similar: to hear what students have to say and to diplomatically come to agreements on various discussions. To top off the agenda, a speaker is invited to each session, shedding their knowledge on the topic of choice. This month's speaker will be Dr. Don Taylor, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
"The upper administration is very busy. Mr. Taylor giving of his time is much appreciated," said Joan Henehan, Student Development Coordinator and Advisor of Student Senate.
The two previous forums were a success; a good number of students turned out to both meetings to show their support for each cause. However, it is up to the students as to the impact each forum will have on the Benedictine community.
"The changes that are made depend on how passionate students are in wanting their voice to be heard in making a change," said Henehan.
Since the topic for each forum is selected based upon the concern sheets that are turned in, the topic for this forum will be the IDEA surveys.
IDEA surveys are anonymous questionnaires given to students to answer in regards to their overall experience within the course they have nearly completed, but they focus on their professor's strengths and weaknesses in teaching the course. The goal of these surveys is to inform the professors of ways in which to improve their teaching, as well as to provide feedback to instructors on the positive experiences within the course they taught.
The concern regarding these surveys is that some students feel that the surveys are not necessarily anonymous. There is a fear among some that their honest opinions may later impact their success in future courses.
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