The idea of a dynamic course evaluation is similar to the familiar end of course or mid-course evaluation except the critique (and response) are interactive. The goal of this process is to produce a single, coherent description of the strengths and weaknesses of this course.  Once you have posted your ideas, you may want to visit this page again occasionally to assure that the essential meaning of your response has not been lost in subsequent editing and refinement of the text.

What makes collaborative, wiki based writing unique is that it is aimed at continued clairification and refinement of ideas; as such feel free to edit any existing responses as well as adding your own comments. If you are initiating a new idea, start a new paragraph.  You will  notice the usual set of response categories but you are welcome to add others as well. Thank you for your participation -- write freely and without fear -- have the courage to use your own intelligence to help improve this course!

To edit this page, click the edit link on the page menu at right. Explorer seems to work best; if you are having problems with Netscape you migt want to give Explorer a try.  Anyway. a word processor type screen will pop up with the existing text ready for your additions and modifications. Specific suggestions for improvement are especially welcome.

How well is this course meeting its stated objectives?

Some students feel that this class has been quite informative.  The class was good, some things I already knew but not as much as you guys covered. Stated objectives were seldom discussed directly but looking back at the syllabus, materials presented seemed appropriate.

What aspects of this course are helping you learn the material? (Be specific)

The large group part went by fast and I agree that much of the material wasn't on the test but it did relate to us on a personal basis. Truthfully that is what kept my attention (and kept me awake somedays). in small group yes things were messed up but it understadible from my point of view.

Overall, is the content of this course meeting your expectations?  Why or why not?

This class was very unorganized.  We never knew how we were doing in the class.  The information covered in large group rarely showed up on the test.  It was impossible to take notes in large group due to how fast information was presented.  (3)

I feel that I have participated in this class as best that I could.  But it doesn't seem to help with the grade for this class.  I don't know where the test questions come from but it is not from the book or our notes.  There is so much time spent on lecture in large group, but yet rarely do test questions come from it.  What is the point of the lecture?  There is so much information in the chapters that it is impossible to know it all.  It seems like the tests are set up to make people fail! (2) [DPS note: Like most MC test, ours is are designed to get a broad distribution of scores.  Typically expected means on such tests are in the low 70% range with almost all scores falling between 50-90%.  Most of the exam questions were taken directly from lecture and the text.]

Are you particpating in this course at a level that meets your own expectations as a learner?  Why or why not?

Start your collective response here...

Are there particular concepts in this course that need to be reviewed or clarified?

Start your collective response here adding new paragraphs for new concepts...

What do you see as the most important ideas to take from this course? Provide a brief rationale for your selections (use separate paragraphs for separate ideas).

Start your collective response here...

How effectively is the teaching team in there effort to encourage critical analysis while avoiding ideological indoctrination?

Start your collective response here...

Please comment on the relationship between large and small group activities?  What works and what doesn't? 

Start your collective response here...

Comment on specific activities within your small group (start separate paragraphs for each idea).

In small group things were messed up but that was understandable from my point of view.

The best thing about small group was the seven generations paper.  We were able to write what we felt.  The action plan was also helpful.  We were able to choose an area we were interested in.

How can this course be improved?

We NEVER see our grades.  That is usually helpful.  [DPS note:  I fully agree on this point and sincerely apologize; such is normally not the case.  I expect to finish up with grading by Friday 19 December.  If you have questions about your grade or want to pick up your work please call me at 759-9534.]

It would be nice to talk more about the environment today and how people are affecting it than to read all the articles that we did.  The majority of them were very hard to read and understand. 

Things to change...

Other comments and suggestions

I don't think you should leave the evaluation until the end of the year; at least don't put it on the students to go out and do it. [DPS note: next semester this interactive evaluation will be up all semester.] It seems like what is forced to be done,will get done and what isn't won't get done. that might help with getting some real info back. We're only human I guess.