What is a TAP?
The Teaching Analysis Poll (TAP) is an excellent mid-semester evaluation technique that provides instructors with useful feedback from their students regarding their learning in a course. Feedback obtained from a TAP can be used to enhance classroom interactions, student learning, and teaching strategies. Most importantly, you receive feedback during the semester, when you can engage students in the feedback loop not at the end of the semester, when the students have moved on.
Thanks to the expertise and commitment of the CFI TAP consultant team, we are able to conduct 70 TAPs during the spring 2008 semester. TAPS will be conducted between February 4 and March 14 as this timing assures students are able to provide meaningful feedback and faculty have the opportunity to effectively use this input.
New TAP Request Procedure!
The TAP request procedure has been changed to facilitate scheduling and communication. Don’t delay, request your TAP NOW. The CFI is still accepting TAP requests until we reach our quota of 70 requests.
It is very important that you request your tap now using this form. The first 70 requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
How does a TAP work?
Once you have requested a TAP, you will receive an e-mail connecting you with your trained faculty consultant. You will arrange for this consultant to attend approximately 30 minutes of your one of your classes.
When the consultant arrives in your classroom, introduce the consultant and go on your way. The consultant will then have the students work in small groups to answer three questions (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? Each group then writes their answers on the board. The consultant engages the class in a discussion of their answers with an effort to clarify statements and issues that arise. The consultant transcribes the responses and meets with you to discuss the feedback.
What Faculty Said...
“I thought this was a positive experience. I also had a number of students thank me for doing this.”
“It was very useful. There were a couple of things that I had not realized with regard to the class. In other respects, it confirmed some plans we had already made or paths that I was already taking.”
“The feedback was quite useful and focused on the relationship between lectures and the exams. I really appreciated the TAP.”
What TAP Consultants said…
“Instructors who requested a TAP were highly motivated about teaching.”
“I consistently find that TAPPING a class is the most informative and helpful form of feedback on my teaching.”
TAP Consultant Training
Click HERE to view photos from the Fall 2007 Consultant Training.