| Small-group instructional
diagnosis is an evaluation technique that uses
an outside facilitator to elicit students’ feedback. It is usually conducted
at midterm so that changes can be made during the second half of the course.
The purpose is to give instructors reasonable suggestions for improving
their courses.
The process has four steps:
- The instructor arranges a date for the evaluation.
- On the day of the evaluation, the instructor introduces the
facilitator as someone who is there at his or her request to elicit
feedback about the course. The instructor then leaves the room.
After a brief overview of the process, the facilitator asks the
students to divide into small groups. The groups have approximately
seven minutes to complete a one-page evaluation sheet containing
three questions: What do you like about this course? What do you
think needs improvement? What specific suggestions do you have for
changing this course? Each group can list as many or as few items as
it desires to each of the three questions; however, the comments
recorded on the evaluation sheet must be arrived at by group
consensus. The spokespersons from each group report back by writing
their responses on the board or screen in three columns: LIKES,
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT, and SUGGESTIONS. The facilitator checks for
consensus of the whole class, and responses are either eliminated or
rewritten. The second half of this step takes another ten
minutes.
- Several days after classroom visit, the instructor receives a
written summary of
the class responses. The instructor may request a follow-up
visit with the facilitator.
- To close the loop, it’s important for the instructor to
discuss with the class what can or can’t be changed.
How much time does it take?
The process takes about 20 - 30 minutes in class. The facilitator
should plan on an hour for writing the summary.
When does it occur?
It can occur anytime, but midterm is optimal.
How do instructors use the results?
To make small changes in instruction. To confirm the positive things
instructors are already doing.
To request an appointment and schedule, e-mail
ellbogenctl@uwyo.edu
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