The feedback I get from the Generation NeXt programs is routinely very high; people value the content, enjoy the program and understand the applications. Some feedback is included below.
For the Postmodern Pedagogy workshop I have some data on faculty changes in attitudes and plans. I ask participants to rate their agreement on a five-point Likert-type scale with statements related to the impact of the workshop on them; several are included below. They report "agree" or "strongly agree" at the following levels with the following statements.
85% I have a better understanding of the characteristics of our students.
84% I have a better understanding of the learning model.
86% I have a better understanding of the role of student activity in learning.
81% I have a better understanding of the limits of lecture as an instructional method.
74% I plan to lecture less.
92% I have a better understanding of the role of engagement in student learning.
84% I plan use more active learning techniques in my classes.
These numbers are very encouraging and are, hopefully, reflected in classroom practice. (It might be noted that many of the faculty report that they already use many active learning techniques and limit their lecture, especially in technical fields.)
FEEDBACK AND TESTIMONIALS
The unedited written feedback from a program at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (a Cordon Bleu culinary school!)
I think Dr.Taylor was right on. He had genuinely helpful information and was able to present it in a way that was enjoyable. He was one of the best informed speakers I have seen and could connect to every person in the room. I would like to have Dr. Taylor back on a yearly basis to discuss other topics.
I think that the speaker should come back and address the whole school
In-service was very good. The speaker was great.
First of all, kudos to you on an in-service well done! The topic was so relevant and Dr. Taylor was extremely engaging. I think we all learned a lot about Gen-Nexters in addition to learning a bit about ourselves. Dr. Taylor also was very inspiring from a "lecture" point of view, in that we can all learn from his style of address. Very enjoyable, indeed.
You could probably tell we were having a good time listening to Dr. Taylor and his accent. But I thought he really made some good points. He was great and I hope you can do as well for the next one.
I think you and Dr. Taylor should both be commended. Dr. Taylor was hilarious, fascinating and really provocative. I know the goal was to give us insights into better relating to our students, but I really feel it will help a number of relationships. I talked about his presentation for much of the night and have been thinking on it all day. I think much of his stated conclusions were self-evident; the process and background was the illuminating portion of his presentation. I really enjoyed it.
The in-service was great! Dr. Taylor is an exceptionally well informed man from both an academic as well as an experiential perspective. His presentation addressed many, many issues that concern our particular institution as well as education as a whole. I felt that his emphasis on consistency in school policy and accountability is right on target. Thanks for a great day.
I thought the speaker was excellent! It was a very nice day and learned a great deal about the students that I have in my classes.
Great In-Service! I felt inspired and refreshed after the morning and afternoon session with Dr. Taylor. This is what it is all about! Learning how to become better teachers should be our goal - and you helped accomplish that. Well-organized day - good lunch (thanks to the committee) - everyone that I have talked with had the same impression.
Thoroughly entertaining education?.at the very least teachers would see how important it is to captivate and engage a class for 2 ½ hours and have them retain information through humor?..I think he should have addressed the staff as well as faculty
That was the most informative and interesting speaker since I've started here almost 2 years ago.
Great job!
Doctor Taylor did something quite remarkable. He explained the behaviors I have observed in my students, but was unable to synthesize into a cohesive explanation. He did that beautifully. I now understand my students MUCH better.
Some feedback from other presentations
One of our counselors told me yesterday...this was the best presentation I've heard in 32 years. What a terrific tribute to your ability to engage faculty and staff.
community college president
You have no idea how many times you have been quoted in the past few days. Over and over I have heard what a wonderful opening workshop we had this year.
chief academic officer
Best keynote I have seen in 23 years!
housing officer
Extraordinary information.
housing officer
"Dr. Taylor really helped us get inside the heads of Generation NeXt. His information will have a major impact on our recruitment and retention efforts.
private college director of admissions
