Midterm Check-in on Students: Getting Feedback

As we approach the middle of the semester, the college strongly recommends that all instructors reach out to students using a simple check-in strategy to gauge students’ learning and experience in their course(s).

By hearing from students about what is going well and what they are concerned about, instructors show that they care about their academic success while upholding their course standards. This feedback can also help to assist instructors in developing their own pedagogical techniques and working toward improved learning environments. 

These tools for collecting course feedback are easy to use and keep students’ anonymity:

• ICON tool for administering an anonymous survey
• ACE Survey Tool within ICON (same tool as for end-of-semester ratings)

Visit this website for ideas about questions to ask at midterm and when or how to schedule this feedback:

• Formative Assessment Strategies

Student responses or data, though not added to the end of the semester evaluations, often improve response rates and the quality of students’ feedback on those official ACE feedback forms. The Center for Teaching can also work with you to create formative assessment strategies.

Reporting Midterm Grades

• Midterm grades for students currently earning an F, D-, D, and D+ should be reported from February 29-March 21, 2024, with instructions found at https://registrar.uiowa.edu/attendance-midterm-and-final-grade-reporting.
• Academic advisors and staff in CLAS Undergraduate Programs use midterm notices for additional outreach to students, offering appropriate support and resources.
• Please make sure all student work to date is graded so that students in your course understand how they are doing and what letter grade they are currently earning.
• Also, please review the CLAS Business Update from July 26, 2023, regarding Revised Undergraduate Grading Policies and Guidelines.
• Information on current course grades can help students better plan their time and be successful. In addition, they are better able to assess whether they should remain in the course or drop it before the final drop deadline of Monday, April 15, 2024.

CLAS Academic Concern Form: If you have a student you are concerned about academically (not attending class, not responding to emails or turning in assignments), please fill out the online reporting form. You will be asked to share your name, the student’s name, and a brief summary of the concern. CLAS Undergraduate Programs (CLAS UP) staff will determine the appropriate outreach and resources to support the student. Please also refer to the CLAS UP website Helping Undergraduate Students in Distress if you need further guidance on campus resources.

In particular, Please review this guidance provided through a partnership between the CLAS Dean's Office, CLAS UP and Dean of Students Office. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to clas-undergrad@uiowa.edu.