Course Evaluation

Students brainstorm aspects of a course that could be changed or improved, acting as a "Planning Committee" for the next course.

Procedure

1. Brainstorm with the whole group possible headings for aspects of the course (e.g., coursebook, supplementary materials, homework) and put these on the board.
2. Divide students into groups of three or four. Tell them they are a Planning Committee for the next course. They discuss how they would change or improve the course and make notes under the headings. Each group can cover one aspect in detail or all aspects more generally.
3. Students form new groups to compare their conclusions.
4. Students give feedback on their conclusions: orally, as a group discussion, on the board, or on posters displayed around the room.

Tips

• Works well mid-course (not just at the end) so results can improve the current course.
• Framing it as a role play ("Planning Committee") creates helpful distance from difficult feelings.
• Add a final feedback stage where you thank students and note particularly useful comments.
• Giving groups a blank timetable to fill in helps them focus on the planning task.