Student Evaluation Forms

I have an upcoming review meeting for one of the modules I tutored on this past year. In preparation I have been given the evaluation forms given to the students at the end of the term to assess the course. The course in question has no final exam. The marks/grades are based entirely upon two essays that the students submit. I share with you some of the students' thoughts on the module. In the comments section for assessment, this one student said: "An exam on this topic would be hellish + frightening." So I'm guessing this student would prefer that we keep the current method of assessment. Another evaluation form was filled out by a very keen student who wanted to extend the seminar and workshop time to two hours per session. Although I'd get paid more, I'm not sure I would agree to such a change. My favourite comment: "seminar leader Michael Garcia did a brilliant job."

Most of the evaluations were very positive and the students seemed to really enjoy the course. That makes me very happy and although I probably won't feel the same way in September, I am looking forward to teaching the course again. In the past I've had these grand ideas for how to approach the subject and make it interesting for the students, but sadly I feel that I don't implement a third of the ideas. What usually ends up happening is that I get so busy with my thesis or something else that I just review the material the night before the seminar, doing the minimal amount of preparation required. And I feel guilty about that because I know I can do more. I need to re-read these evaluation forms just before next term so that it will inspire me to put more effort into tutoring.