Teaching Analysis Poll

What is a TAP?

The Teaching Analysis Poll (TAP) is a mid-semester evaluation technique that provides instructors with rich and meaningful feedback from their students regarding the learning environment in a course.

How does the TAP work?

A trained faculty TAP consultant from the CFI contacts the instructor prior to the TAP to discuss basic course information and any concerns the instructor might have about the course. The consultant then comes to the class and spends 30 minutes conducting the TAP with the class. During the TAP, the consultant guides the students through a discussion based on these questions related to learning:

• What helps your learning in this course?
• What hinders your learning in this course?
• What suggestions do you have to improve your learning in this course?
• What are you doing to help your learning in this course?
• What are you doing to hinder your learning in this course?
• What could you do to improve your learning in this course?

The students explore these questions in small groups, write their responses on the board, and then the TAP consultant facilitates a discussion with all of the students regarding the information on the board. After the TAP, the consultant meets with the instructor to discuss the TAP feedback.

Why should I schedule a TAP?

Feedback obtained from a TAP can be used to enhance classroom interactions, student learning, and teaching strategies. Most importantly, the instructor receives feedback during the semester, when the instructor can engage students in the feedback loop, not at the end of the semester when the students have moved on.