On September 26th, 2019, Dr. Lisa Lewis evaluated my EXS101 class. I was teaching a lesson on communication strategies that included a PowerPoint presentation, discussion, and several activities.
One of the activities was having students take a self assessment to determine their personality style, collaborating with other classmates with the same personality style, and then explaining to their other classmates how they like to be treated. It was fun and interesting watching my students present because each group's presentation reflected their personality style. For example, my students who related to the dominant personality style all started talking at once and my students who scored themselves as low dominant all waited for the another group member to start presenting. While this activity was meaningful, it took longer than expected, so I had to adjust the lesson's conclusion to end on time. Dr. Lewis noted this in my evaluation. She said, "Erika always does some form of group activity and sharing in class which is a great tool for student understanding and "connecting" with each student. This can however sometimes mess with the flow of class- taking more time than panned. She is quick to adjust and keep things moving." I appreciate that Dr. Lewis values the class activities I do, even when I have to monitor and adjust my original plan. As I gain more experience teaching this material in this setting, I hope to gain a better understanding of how to gauge the time so I can plan more accurately.
In the feedback, Dr. Lewis commented on my organization, rapport, classroom environment, positive feedback, and student engagement. I am really pleased that she acknowledged these areas because I truly strive to be a positive and supportive teacher and to plan lessons that are meaningful and engaging. I want my students to feel supported and believe that the learning experience was enjoyable and valuable.
In the final comments, Dr. Lewis said, "Erika does an excellent job in the classroom. She is always very prepared and organized and it is evident in her lectures. Her presence is always upbeat and positive. Erika is all about putting the students first and always goes above-and-beyond to make sure they have the resources that they need to succeed. She has a way of connecting with the students and building rapport which makes the classroom environment a pleasure for the students to be in and makes for a great learning environment. If I had to make one suggestion it would be to continue to push to raise the bar – particularly in this class. Because it is an introductory class for our program, this is the place to set the stage for expectations and rigor. One area our students struggle with is critical thinking. This class is a great place to work on setting the stage for higher levels of thinking. I will be asking all of our EXS101 instructors to think about this as we go in to next semester. Otherwise, keep doing what you are doing!!" I really appreciate the positive comments and I agree that it is important to set the stage for our program with high expectations and rigor. With this being an introductory class, we introduce a wide range of competencies and topics that will be covered in greater detail in future classes. I want my students to leave my class with all of the prerequisite knowledge they need to succeed in future classes and an understanding of the hard work they will need to invest. During this semester, we piloted 8 week hybrid classes and I am still working on finding a balance between in-person and online activities. I have taught this class completely in-person and completely online, but for some reason, it has been challenging for me to find an ideal hybrid balance. I want to complete all of the lessons and activities in person with my students, but that is not feasible with the limited class time. Also, since my class meets on both Tuesdays and Thursdays, I was hesitant to assign large out of class assignments. For Spring semester, I reevaluated the hybrid class and prioritized which lessons and activities I want to complete in person and which lessons and activities I can successfully assign online. I also modified some assignments and the time line so it is reasonable for students to complete the large assignments outside of class. My goal is to find an appropriate balance of in person and online activities that maintains the rigor and prepares my students for their future courses and our program.
I truly appreciate all of the positive feedback and support I have received from Dr. Lewis and my entire department. It is an honor to be on this team and to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful colleagues.
Since I teach several online classes and represent our department on the eCourse committee, Dr. Lewis conducted my Spring evaluation on my online EXS101 class. I was excited about her decision to evaluate one of my online classes because I wanted to learn more about her online expectations and receive feedback.
Dr. Lewis commented on the organization, clear expectations, variety of instructional materials, quality feedback, and my enthusiasm. She said, "Even though this is an online class I can 'hear' her excitement and passion for the students and the material. That bubbly personality shines through even in this online environment." I am very pleased with this comment because I believe it is important for me to connect with my students and demonstrate that I am a real person who is excited about the learning material.
I believe it is important to create an online environment where students feel connected and comfortable asking questions. Dr. Lewis said, "In this online environment Erika is always present, positive and welcoming to her students. She responds to each student individually in the discussion boards, showing them all that she is here to help them in anyway she can! She posts fun stories and pictures to make the atmosphere friendly. This encourages students to want to engage and interact with her." I am very pleased that she recognized my presence and my attempts to create a positive online learning environment. It really is important to me that my students feel cared for, connected, and supported.
This evaluation was really valuable for me because Dr. Lewis acknowledged qualities in my course design and online instruction that I strive for. With our courses shifting to accelerated hybrids and more students choosing online options, I want to be able to teach online successfully. She said, "I can not begin to say enough positive things about Erika’s ability to be engaged, present and encouraging to students in an online environment. The students that typically enroll in our program of study are traditionally not great at online work. They are kinesthetic learners and being in an online only environment can be challenging for them. With instructors like Erika, that will not be a problem. I am excited for our department as we move forward with more hybrid classes knowing that we have Erika as a resources for building out these courses to ensure student success."
In Dr. Lewis's additional comments, she said, "Erika is a great mentor for our students and an excellent role model for her fellow faculty. She is always quick to smile and jump in to do whatever is asked or needed. She never complains and in spite of a very busy schedule, she will always volunteer to help out any way she can. Her technology skills, work ethic and positive outlook will help our department move forward and stay current! We are so very fortunate to have her!" I am very grateful for Dr. Lewis and my role in the Fitness and Wellness Department. I work with an amazing group of people who have been incredibly supportive. Being part of this team and having the opportunity to help develop and grow our program is such an honor. I am excited for all of the great things the future holds for our department.