News Summary
Wofford College has introduced the ‘Thank a Prof’ initiative to enhance connections between students and faculty by encouraging students to provide direct feedback and express gratitude. The program is part of the college’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and includes a student fellows program that promotes communication among students and professors. The initiative features letter writing events and utilizes the Group Instructional Feedback Technique (GIFT) to gather constructive feedback. Faculty members appreciate the mid-semester feedback fostered through this initiative, contributing to a more collaborative learning environment.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Wofford College has launched a new initiative titled “Thank a Prof” aimed at strengthening the connection between students and faculty through direct feedback. This initiative, part of the college’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), provides a structured platform for students to express gratitude and insights regarding their educational experiences.
The CETL was established in 2023 with a mission to promote innovative teaching practices across the college. One key aspect of this initiative is the student fellows program, which facilitates timely and effective communication between students and their professors. Currently, the program includes student fellows Jenna Hollis, a current English major, and Tianna Kidd, a senior who is double majoring in French and biology.
The “Thank a Prof” event took place on April 7-8, allowing students to write letters of appreciation to their professors. These letters were then delivered throughout the campus, fostering a culture of gratitude and acknowledgment among the student body towards the faculty. This approach not only uplifts the morale of professors but also encourages students to reflect critically on their learning experiences.
Integral to the CETL’s effort is a methodology known as GIFT, or Group Instructional Feedback Technique. This system is designed to collect student feedback about teaching practices in a constructive manner. During feedback sessions, student fellows facilitate discussions without the presence of professors, allowing students to share candid responses. Typical questions posed during these sessions include inquiries into what professors do well, self-assessment from students regarding their engagement in class, and areas for improvement. Additionally, student fellows may incorporate tailored questions as per professors’ specific requests.
To maintain confidentiality, student identities are protected when feedback reports are compiled for professors. This anonymity is crucial in ensuring honest and unbiased responses from students, which can lead to real-time improvements in teaching approaches. The initiative aims to provide feedback earlier in the semester, enabling professors to implement changes and enhance educational effectiveness without waiting for the end-of-semester evaluations.
Faculty members have expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that mid-semester feedback sessions foster open dialogue about teaching methods and classroom dynamics. The program has paved the way for collaborative learning experiences, where both students and faculty can engage in meaningful discussions about the educational process.
Dr. Justin Bailey, the director of CETL, has highlighted the importance of shared reflection between students and faculty as a means to enhance the overall educational experience. This initiative serves not only to provide constructive criticism but also to build stronger relationships between students and professors, reinforcing the collaborative dynamic essential for learning.
Student fellows involved in the program have conveyed their enthusiasm about its impact on campus culture. Tianna Kidd remarked on the program’s uniqueness and how it enhances the reasons students appreciate their time at Wofford College. The initiative is anticipated to grow and evolve, contributing positively to the collaborative educational environment that Wofford College strives to maintain.
Through the “Thank a Prof” initiative and the CETL’s student fellows program, Wofford College demonstrates a commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation between students and faculty, enhancing the quality of education while building a strong community within the campus.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Tianna Kidd of Greenwood Works
- Greenville Online: Princeton Review Best Colleges
- Chronicle of Higher Education: Student Evaluations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Evaluation
- Google Search: Student Feedback in Education
