Just as in the first semester, the mid-term evaluations were held to offer useful information on how the tutorials are proceeding. After being thoroughly processed by the senior tutor, the outcome of the evaluations was sent to the respective tutors and head of the tutor team (for a recap of the rationale on the mid-term evaluations see also this link.

What does the general outcome of this survey tell us? There are three main points we take away from these evaluations:
1.) our students are satisfied with their tutors,
2.) our students give useful constructive feedback,
3.) our students are able to reflect on their own role in the tutorials.

Appreciation
The large majority of students highly appreciates their tutors’ great investment, professionalism, and expertise. A conclusion, which could be drawn, based on the compliments and words of encouragement stated in the evaluations such as: “This course is very well fitted to the overall program. It elaborates on concepts discussed during the Lecture and so many things can be clarified. The tutor is great and it's a very good learning environment. I really like the assignment, as it comes closer to what many people might do in later positions. Great job!!!” Or: ”I really appreciate the structured way our tutor gives classes. His rational way of thinking makes it easier to understand topics which seem too complex to understand.”   

Constructive feedback
Constructive feedback makes a difference when it is provided in responsible way. Comments and suggestions offered by students were therefore thoroughly discussed by tutors and coordinators of the respective tutorials.

In a few cases student’s comments and suggestions were also used to introduce the necessary fine-tuning of the tutorial structure.  For example, the feedback provided by students considering the Pitch2Peer presentations in the tutorials for International Relations. Although many students did recognize the importance of learning a digital skill, which they may later on be able to use, some were quite disappointed with the input provided by their classmates through the platform. To solve this situation, students now take their input and suggestions on a hard copy into class and hand them in to the presenters. This change should improve the level of the discussion held in class as well.

Reflection
Students were also given the opportunity to assess their own contribution to and in the tutorials. They were happy to reflect on their own role as primary participants of and in the programme. We saw some very interesting results, such as students assessing their participation with a (very generous)10, while others awarded themselves a (not so generous) 1. However, it is not the grades that matter, but the fact that everyone is actively engaged in assessing their own role in the tutorials.

Hence, the mid-term evaluations have once again proved to be a very adequate pedagogic instrument to reassert and contribute to a cooperative and productive teaching and learning environment within International Studies.

We thank our students for their constructive feedback and we would like to say that the appreciation is mutual!

Paula Jordao

Head of tutor team