Customize Your Survey
Applied Questions – these questions are automatically applied to each Midterm Course Survey. These items cannot be removed or altered but instructors are invited to add custom questions. Below are some samples of questions that can be added. Instructors are also able to write their own questions. See our Instructions for Adding Custom Questions document.
At this point in the semester, your instructor would like to know:
- What is helping you to learn in this class?
- What is making learning difficult?
- What changes could be made to help you learn?
- What do you still find confusing or unclear?
- What steps could you take to improve your own learning in this course?
Samples of Additional Custom Questions that instructors can add:
Scaled – (Strongly disagree, Disagree. Neutral, Agree, Strongly agree)
Below are suggested questions faculty can add to their surveys. Resources to build skills related to this question are provided.
Flexibility
Question: My instructor demonstrated flexibility when responding to students’ needs.
Resources:
- Student Voices at Pitt (5-minute video of students discussing their perspectives and learning needs)
- Educational Equity and Accessibility Resources
Communication
Question: My instructor communicated about changes to the course in a timely manner.
Question: My instructor’s communications about changes to the course were clear.
Resources:
- Template for Developing a Communication Plan
- Strategies for Faculty to Communicate with Students
- Remote Learning – Communicating with Students
- Student Engagement and Communication
Interaction
Question: The class provided me with weekly opportunities to interact with classmates face-to-face or online.
Resources:
- Student Assessment and Student Engagement
- The Teaching Center Course Template (a template Canvas course shell that contains instructional design best practices like providing opportunities for student/student interaction, a sample online module, and skeletal course modules that you can edit and fill).
- To access, log into the Pitt Canvas server through the My Pitt portal. Click on the Commons link:
- Click on the Teaching Center Course Template:
- Import into your course shell.
- To access, log into the Pitt Canvas server through the My Pitt portal. Click on the Commons link:
Canvas
Question: The instructor provided useful resources using Canvas.
Resources:
- Student Resource for Using Canvas (links of student Canvas tutorials that can be imported into your course shell)
- To access, log into the Pitt Canvas server through the My Pitt portal. Click on the Commons link:
- Click on Student Resources for Using Canvas:
- Import into your course shell.
- To access, log into the Pitt Canvas server through the My Pitt portal. Click on the Commons link:
Technology Tools
Question: Which technology tools were most beneficial to your learning?
Resources:
- Check with our Educational Software Consulting team for information about support for specific technology tools.
(Includes the following set of questions:)
Scaled:
I have sufficient access to the technology required to complete the requirements of this course.
I have sufficient knowledge of the technology required to complete this course.
The instructor clearly explained the technical requirements for the course.
Instructions for using technology tools are clear.
Video quality of presentations is good.
Audio quality of presentations is good.
Technology used in the remote aspect of this course works effectively.
The use of (online tool A, online tool B, etc.) contributed to my learning.
Online course materials are easy to use.
I can readily find readings and other assignments.
Instructions to complete online assignments are clear.
Instructions to complete online learning activities are clear.
The instructor provides clear guidelines for course requirements.
The instructor has clearly communicated what the requirements of this course are.
I understand what’s required of me in this course.
The instructor facilitates a sufficient level of online interaction.
I’m able to interact effectively with the instructor(s).
I’m able to interact effectively with fellow students.
Online interactions with classmates contribute to my understanding of the course content.
There is a good balance of synchronous and asynchronous instruction in this course.
Useful feedback is provided on assignments.
Assignments are appropriate to course level and credits earned.
Assignments require a reasonable amount of time to complete.
Instructor gives clear objectives for written assignments.
Open-ended/Comment
Is there something you wish I knew that would assist me in teaching this course?
What are some of the positive aspects of taking this course remotely?
What are some of the negative aspects of taking this course remotely?
What are your biggest challenges in taking this course remotely?
What can you do to positively impact your learning in this course?
What changes in the remote environment might improve your learning?
(Includes the following:)
The instructor encouraged initiative on the part of students.
The instructor motivated me to do my best work.
The instructor gave challenging assignments.
The instructor stimulated me to discuss related topics outside of class.
The instructor stimulated me to consider taking additional courses in this field.
The instructor stimulated my intellectual thought.
The instructor promoted thinking rather than memorization.
The instructor actively engaged students in the learning process.
- I am developing the skills I need in this class.
- I understand the class material.
- I can apply what I’ve learned in this class to new situations.
- I understand what is expected of me in this class.
- The online materials are helping me learn in this class.
- I feel comfortable speaking in this class.
- This class stimulates my interest in the subject.
- The course is appropriately paced.
- Exams covered the material presented in class.
- The online course materials are easy to use.
- Assignments have increased my understanding of course concepts.
- Grading is fair.
- The instructor invites student questions and comments during class.
- The instructor motivates me to learn.
- The instructor has provided valuable feedback.
- The instructor treats students with respect.
- The instructor clearly explained the course objectives.
- This instructor is available for assistance.
- Which class activities, assignments, and/or resources are working well for you in this class?
- What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far in this course?
- List three things you like best about the class.
- List three things you like least about the class.
- Do you feel prepared for the upcoming exam? Why or Why not?
- Is there anything else you would like the instructor to know?
For more suggestions, visit our main Question Library section.