IDEA Survey Feedback from Fall Semester 2021

Thank you to every student who wrote your feedback. Every student communicated in a constructive and effective manner. This is very much appreciated.

SPA 101 Online

• Critique: organization and course format
  • I will plan to explain more clearly at the beginning of my courses that content is organized by chapter and not by week. This is the case because each chapter does not fit cleanly into week long blocks.
  • I have put chapter borders on syllabus calendar in Canvas so students can more clearly see what is expected in each chapter.
  • I do not use modules because my course materials are on my course website.
  • Feedback is welcome on how I can better communicate the course format.
• Critique: too much content to keep up with in too little time
  • It takes a lot of time to study a foreign language. I recommend organizing your schedule and budgeting your time as much as possible. If you are a full-time student you have to think of it as being your full-time job. (I do understand that you may already have this perspective.)

SPA 102 Online

• Critique: The instructor treats his 102 course as if we have been speaking Spanish for years.
  • The compositions and video quizzes have to be in the target language. A downside of 102 online is that it is a remote composition and not an in-class composition. There are some disadvantages with the online only format that cannot be avoided. I am glad to help whenever there are questions. Students' questions immediately go to the top of my priority list. I can also meet via Zoom or in-person.
• Critique: The course is too difficult. (three students with this critique)
  • Although the tests are difficult, there are many assignments which students can score well on. In this course, 5/19 students earned an A. Therefore, many students are able to excel.
  • I must make the online course consistent in expectations with the in-person course. They both count for four hours toward your degree from UAB. Online students actually have to work harder to make up for the fact that we do not have the in-person interaction on a regular basis as it is for an in-person course. This the unfortunate reality of offering online-only courses for a foreign language. Synchronous communication is fundamentally important for language learning.
• Critique: I speak in Spanish at a fast pace.
  • I try to slow down a little bit, but the pace still needs to be somewhat natural. I will be mindful of this.
• Critique: Course difficulty coming from Spanish 101
  • My course may be sizeable step up coming from what was expected by your Spanish 101 professor. Please use the course website to review chapters one through four thoroughly.

SPA 102 In-person

• Critique: More speaking assignments
  • I have added more speaking assignments.
• Critique: More speaking opportunities in class, too fast-paced, and students felt rushed
  • I will emphasize more conversation oriented activities.
  • Instead of using up a class session for each test, we will do content on those days, and exams will be completed remotely using Respondus. Tests can be completed in UH 3007 if preferred. However, please communicate when you would be stopping by.
• Critique: Course organization and formatting
  • See the first bullet point of this document.
• Critique: Unclear explanation of topics
  • If it is fitting during class time, please let me know if my explanation was unclear. If it does not seem fitting to ask during class, please ask me for clarification after class. I would very much like to know what was unclear so I can help you and improve in my teaching.
  • I would imagine that factors such as feeling pressed for time or being tired on a particular day could have contributed to an explanation not being clear.
  • Be sure to learn all of your grammar terms before the class. I need to use these terms when giving explanations. They are a part of your toolset for understanding.
• Critique: Perhaps too much immersion in Spanish
  • We need clear and open communication. If you are unclear on anything please ask me for clarification.
• Critique: 100% digital materials and writing out content helps this student to learn
  • Please feel free to print any course materials before class or let me know how I can facilitate your individual learning style. I am glad to work with you.

Thank you to all for the very kind words and encouragement. This means a lot to me. I am glad that the course website is so helpful, and that I have been able to be helpful for you. :)