Student Interview and Observation Protocols
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Generalities
Perhaps the most direct manner of assessing the impact of a particular
course component or curriculum on students' learning is to ask
the students. Although it is usually feasible to interview only
a small sample of students, the insights so gained as to the efficacy
of a particular learning environment can be invaluable. These
insights can then be coupled with classroom observations and survey
responses to gain a reliable impression of the overall learning
environment that is valid for a large proportion of the class.
For example, many active and cooperative learning strategies require
that considerable attention be given to their implementation to
ensure that workgroups and/or lab groups are functioning optimally
for all students. Student interviews and classroom observations
are ideal tools for assessing the dynamic nature of group interactions,
which may be difficult to do solely by means of a survey.
However, it is important to note that, while the effective use
of survey data requires some knowledge of survey question design,
interpretation and analysis, successful use of open-ended interviews
requires skill and also is something of an art. An effective interviewer
is able to establish a rapport and dialogue in which the myriad
concerns (many of which may be unanticipated by the interviewer)
of the individual(s) being interviewed are given ample opportunity
to be freely expressed. This usually requires the interviewer
to have some training in interview techniques. Thus, the need
for training coupled with the need to protect confidentiality
often means that student interviews (as opposed to faculty- or
TA-administered oral exams) are best conducted by "outside"
parties who have no bearing on student grades, etc.
- Interview protocols
- Complete Tool 1
: New Traditions Student Interview Protocols
- Complete Tool 2
: MC2 & ChemLinks Learning Gains Interview Protocols;
- Observation protocols
- Complete Tool 1 xxx…
- Complete Tool 2 xxx…