Reviewing college courses is helpful for students and professors alike.
When students complete a college course, professors can greatly benefit from asking them questions about their experience. Not only can professors use this information to modify or solidify the way the course is taught, but they can also give this information to potential students so they can anticipate the workload, material and structure of the course.
Workload
Students should rate the workload of the course in comparison to other courses they have taken. Freshmen should compare the workload to their senior high school courses or answer questions about how well they could handle the assignments. If students overwhelmingly respond that the workload was too heavy or lighter than average, homework assignments should be adjusted. Some students will always complain that the course required too much or too little, so go by the average answer. You should also ask if the workload was consistent or too varied.
Course Structure
Ask students if they found the structure of the course conducive to learning. For example, if you teach an introductory English class and you focus most of the time on discussing literature but only a little time on grammar, your class might feel that they would have benefited from more discussion of grammar. You should also ask if the course moved too quickly or slowly, if students had enough time to ask questions, if students felt they could approach you or an aide if they had trouble and if the method of grading was adequate.
Suggested Changes
Students occasionally make suggestions that can greatly improve a course. Since it can be difficult for teachers to gauge the experience of their students, a question about suggested changes gives teachers the opportunity to see what students like and dislike. Of course, some students simply don't like to work hard, but some students may provide valuable insight. Be sure to ask students what they would not change about the course as well, and weigh all the comments against each other. Different students have different learning styles, so you have to balance various perspectives to make the material accessible for everyone.
Recommend to Other Students
Use your students to advertise your course to other students who might enjoy it. The students who have taken your course will be able to provide insider information, letting other students feel like they know what they're getting into. Have students explain who might benefit or enjoy your course and why, encouraging them to go beyond basic explanations such as, "if you like math, then you'll like this math course." Tell them to give specific examples of activities, and tell them to describe the potential advantages or drawbacks that students might encounter depending on their background.
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