Build a Plus/Delta classroom assessment for learners in addition to your other midterm assessment plans.
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CELT Teaching Tip • February 10, 2022
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Using Plus/Delta for Student Feedback
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We are officially almost one month away from the midterm of Spring 2022. In addition to preparing any summative assessments for midterms, consider integrating a way for students to provide feedback about how the course is going so far. One way to do this is the Plus/Delta (also called Plus/Change).
This Midterm Assessment Technique is used around the midpoint of a semester and asks students to reflect on what has been successful in helping them learn thus far (Helminski & Koberna, 1995). This is framed in a way that the student is asked what they should continue doing to support their learning (Plus). Additionally, it asks the students to provide feedback on what could be improved. The learner provides suggestions for improvements to support their learning (Delta).
Consider proposing these questions to your students through Canvas or Qualtrics, allowing for anonymous feedback. Some examples for Plus/Delta include:
Plus
- What is helping me learn in this class? What is working well?
- What am I doing, or what do I need to continue doing, to improve my learning in this class?
Delta
- What changes are needed in this course to improve my learning? What isn't working well?
- What is something I need to improve my learning in this class?
At the conclusion of the Plus/Delta collection period, the instructor collects the information, breaks the feedback into themes, and reports the information back to the class. In doing so, it allows for an open conversation about the feedback and shared responsibility for the teaching and learning that takes place for the rest of the semester. To learn more about the Plus/Delta technique, check out the CELT website.
Resource
Helminski, L., & Koberna, S. (1995). Total quality in instruction: A systems approach. In H.V. Roberts (Ed.)., Academic initiatives in total quality for higher education, (pp. 309-362). ASQC Quality Press.
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Congratulations to Dr. David Cantor
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Dr. Ching-Hui (Joan) Su, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Education in Event Management, Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management
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Teaching Advice
From my teaching experiences, I find students are willing to learn and express their opinions in a welcoming, accountable, and supportive classroom setting that I created. The learning process is improved with the mutual disclosure between my students and me. I also notice that students learn best when inspired and encouraged by an enthusiastic teaching attitude and the real-life experiences I share with them. In a world where attention is more fragmented, educators must work to engage and inspire their students. This, I believe, begins with allowing students to participate actively in their classes. I favor using brief pre-class polls or word cloud in Kahoot to gauge students’ knowledge of the day’s planned lecture topic and to get information on which specific areas may require more instruction...
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#CyThx Message
Dr. Su has immediately become one of my favorite professors. She keeps the classes entertaining and is really interested in the students’ progress. She has a great sense of humor and tells the best stories from her culture background. Each class hour with her is something I always look forward to.
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Now Accepting Submissions - Teaching Briefs 2022
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Submissions are now being accepted for the 2022 CELT Teaching Brief, “Fostering Student Sense of Belonging in the Classroom: Creative Practices from Iowa State University Instructors.”
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at ISU is accepting submissions for the 2022 CELT Teaching Briefs under a common theme of fostering belonging, connection, and inclusivity in online, in-person, and multi-mode classrooms. More information, including details on submission and how to submit, can be found on the CELT Teaching Briefs web page. If you are ready to submit, you can fill out this Qualtrics form.
Submissions are due by June 1, 2022. You will be informed by July 1, 2022 of the decision to publish.
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Upcoming Events (Feb. 10-Feb. 28)
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Assessment and Evaluation: Student Learning and Instructor Teaching
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Webinar, Ideas for Documenting Your Teaching Efforts at ISU with Sara Marcketti, Feb. 15 (12-1:00 p.m., via Zoom)
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Webinar, Writing or Revising Your Teaching Philosophy Statement with Karen Bovenmyer, Feb. 22 (12-1:00 p.m., via Webex)
Award-Winning Seminar Series: Learn Strategies and Find Inspiration
Engage Students: With Content, Instructor, and Fellow Students
Equity & Inclusion: Enhance Your Teaching Practice
Technology Tools and Strategies: Enhance Your Teaching, Any Modality
- Scenario 3 - Facilitating Successful Groupwork
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Webinar, Feb. 15 (3-4 p.m.) or Feb. 18 (12-1 p.m.)
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Workshop, Feb. 16 (1-2 p.m., register via Learn@ISU)
- Scenario 4 - A Student Shares Personal Struggles Impacting Their Academics
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Webinar Feb. 21 (10-11 a.m.) or Feb. 21 (2-3 p.m.)
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Workshop, Feb. 25 (11 a.m.-12 p.m., register via Learn@ISU)
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CELT Open Labs
Mondays and Wednesdays: 8-10 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1-3 p.m.
Fridays: By Appointment Only
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Email CELT
Email celt-help@iastate.edu to submit a ticket and request a specific one-on-one with a CELT staff member. Make sure to include the course title and any questions you may have.
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IT Solution Center
You can email the ISU Solution Center (solution@iastate.edu) or call them (515-294-4000) for technical support. You may also call and follow the prompts to speak with a Canvas representative for support.
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