Sunday, February 5, 2012

Using Google Docs: Evaluation and Feedback

Google Docs has an infinite way of being useful in the classroom.  Apart from being completely free, Google applications are also available for use from any device with Internet.  While I have infinite ideas for use of Google Docs on the classroom... This post is going to center around using Google Docs for evaluation and feedback.

More than ever before, reflection and self-evaluation are a critical part of the learning that occurs in our classrooms.  When used properly, Google Docs can be an incredible tool for facilitating this process.  One of my favorite ways to use the "forms" feature of Google Docs is for group evaluations.  The "forms" feature allows you to construct a survey or test and then organizes the results in a spreadsheet.  After a group project, use a computer, iPad, or iPod touch to distribute a survey asking kids to reflect on the collaborative process, their effort, and their partner's effort. Students will appreciate the opportunity to have a say in their grade.  If a group member has contributed more than their partners, this is an easy way for them to present the issue without feeling like a tattle-tale. You will find that most of the time students are honest and realistic about their own effort.  Even though we are observant and likely already have an idea about who did what, this can shed light on how students work in collaborative groups.  Make group-evaluations a habit in your classroom and your students will be more accountable.

Creating a survey on Google Docs can also be an easy way to better understand student perceptions.  A completely transparent teacher will ask her students to evaluate her teaching methods. What does Ms. Brien do well? What helps you learn best?  When students feel like they have a say, they buy-in.  Next time you get a chance, ask your students what would make you a better teacher- their insight will surprise you.   Anonymous surveys can also be good way to dig deeper into personal issues.  In attempt to learn more about my students true college-going perceptions, I gave them a survey.  The response I need got told me more about the truth than I had ever learned in front of our whole class.  

Within your school, use Google for teacher to teacher or admin to teacher evaluations. Build a school wide template emphasizing school-wide goals and professional development initiatives. The form will provide structured look-fors for the evaluator, and instant feedback for the teacher being observed. 

Despite your use for it, Google Docs provides a free domain to save all the data that you gather in its use.  When you are done distributing a survey or evaluating peer teachers, find the "form" tab and go to "show summary of responses". You will find an item by item analysis of your results that makes defining the next steps simple and clear. 

Need more guidance on setting up first Google Docs survey? Check out my Teacher Quick Guide on Surveys and Tests available @ My Wiki

Hints and Tips

  • Unless your survey or evaluation is anonymous, make sure to start out your survey asking for the student's first and last name.  Make this a "required field" to ensure a name on each response! 
  • Be transparent! Show your student the results of the survey and follow through with any changes it may request. 
  • Embed the survey into an email or on your class webpage for easy access.  You can also use TinyUrl http://tinyurl.com/ to shorten the web address and post on your board if necessary. This will ease the process of students typing a long URL into a browser.
  • Want to use Google Docs from your iPad or iPhone?  Download the App GoDocs from the App Store for $4.99. 

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