We hear you! Strategies for ensuring student voices are heard in online courses

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Session Description

Since the pandemic, it has become even more important for institutions of higher education, especially those with online programs, to incorporate student voice into their practices. One of the more common ways to gather student input is by using an end-of course-survey or student experience survey. This is still an effective option, but there are additional strategies that can allow faculty and administration to incorporate student voice, and these additional avenues should be explored. Specifically, research demonstrates that allowing student input on curriculum and instruction helps them feel more empowered in, and accountable to, their learning (Ngussa & Makewa, 2014).

The goal of this presentation is to discuss and elicit participant interaction based on the following questions:

  1. What strategies can be most effective in gathering student input on curriculum/assignments, teaching methodology, communication, etc.?
  2. How can faculty best incorporate student voices into their facilitation

As part of the discussion around these questions, the authors will provide relevant research as well as personal experiences related to methods used to gather and implement student input and feedback in their online courses. The authors, who are full-time faculty for the online campus at their university, have researched this topic as part of a project on eliciting student feedback and incorporating student voices in the online classroom.

Presenter(s)

Tracy Crawford
University of Phoenix
Encinitas, CA, USA

Tracy Crawford, MAEd, is a full-time faculty member teaching introductory courses for the College of General Studies with University of Phoenix where she has been working as a staff member since 2004. She earned a Master’s degree in Education – Curriculum & Instruction/Adult Education Distance Learning and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program for her Elementary teaching certificate. Tracy has been involved in education not only as a teacher and administrator, but also as a volunteer with United Way in their Reading Buddy program and also as a volunteer for Head Start, and Art Masterpiece programs, and she has served as a Faculty Supervisor for student teachers. Tracy has been named a Certified Advanced Facilitator, and served as a Faculty Trainer, and facilitated both faculty and student workshops at University of Phoenix. Tracy's true passion is helping students learn and grow!

Jennifer Romano
University of Phoenix
Daphne, AL, USA

Jennifer Romano is a graduate of Auburn University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mass Communication. While attending graduate school at Auburn, Jennifer was an instructor of Public Speaking. Upon graduating she became an adjunct professor at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, followed by a full time instructor at Faulkner State Community College (now Coastal Community College) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She taught communication and public speaking courses at both colleges. Then in 2007 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by Herzing University in Birmingham, Alabama; she was an instructor of mass communication, public speaking and humanities course. In 2013 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at University of Phoenix, where she is currently working as a full time instructor of General Studies and Humanities courses. She has over 16 years of experience with online instruction and LOVES being an instructor at University of Phoenix!

tcc2023

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