SGID: Midterm Evaluations
Whether you teach a lab, lecture, or discussion section, a Small Group Instructinoal Diagnosis(SGID) provides valuable feedback you can use immediately to make you a more effective teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SGID?
This is a method of getting anonymous feedback from your students midway through the semester. This is not an evaluation. It is strictly a method of obtaining information about your teaching. A TEACH Program Consultant will visit your class, discussion section, or lab, and after you step from the room, she or he will elicit responses to three questions:
- What do you like most about the class?
- What do you like least?
- What suggestions do you have for the instructor?
These general questions will likely meet the needs of instructors teaching across the spectrum of disciplines, but they may be customized to meet your individual goals and needs.
When should I have the SGID done?
The fifth week of the semester is ideal, but the fourth and sixth weeks are also good times. Be aware that having an SGID past the seventh week of the semester may not give you enough time to respond to feedback from your students and incorporate changes, if necessary, into your teaching. The sooner you schedule the SGID, the greater the likelihood we'll be able to accommodate your first choice date.
How long will the SGID take?
Typically, the interview takes about 30 minutes, dependent on class size.
What type of information will I get from the interview?
"Review of the reading is very helpful", "homework turnaround is not fast enough", and "leave overheads up longer" are examples of practical information generated by the three questions. The SGID will give you a much clearer idea of how your students feel about your class. It's also worth mentioning that students tend to like class interviews because they sense their opinions count, especially when you return to class and discuss the changes or efforts you will make.
What happens during the consultation session with the TEACH Program consultant?
You will discuss the results of your interview. The role of the TEACH Program consultant is to help you interpret the data collected from your students, and how and if you should implement changes. Remember - the SGID is confidential and will not be reported to anyone without your specific request to do so.