Teaching Evaluations

 
 
 

I strive to create an exciting space for the collective pursuit of knowledge.  My classroom is a safe place to question anything and everything.  What my students pursue outside of the classroom-- what makes them happy outside of the classroom-- has a parallel in the acquisition of a new language or in the learning of new cultures and concepts.  I want students to feel engaged.  I want students to realize that what we do in the classroom relates directly to the world around them. 

These are the things I ask my students about in evaluations I make up for myself and in the extra questions  added to the evaluation forms of the Instructor and Course Evaluation System prepared by the Department of Measurement and Evaluation in the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Illinois for the University and department.  The following is a sampling of the results of student evaluations.
 

 

  The left column represents the strongest or highest rank possible and the second column the next highest rank.    
   
Spanish 101 Student evaluation percentages

 
The teacher's Knowledge of the subject was 79%/excellent   14% /v. good
Did the instructor seem to enjoy teaching? 64%/V.much   29%/ yes
The instructor seemed well prepared   64%/Always 36% Usually
The instructor listened attentively to what class members had to say 79% always 7% usually
Did the instructor treat you with respect? 71% yes, always 29% usually
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comp. Lit. Student Comments

-Valerie was very personable, friendly, enthusiastic.  She provided an atmosphere that was very conducive to discussion. Great job!

- Valerie Wilhite is amazing & talented.  She stimulates curiosity and enthusiasm.

-Disucussion helped my understanding greatly. I learned to analyze literature and write better papers. Make the writing assignments shorter.  I love Valerie!

- dynamic teaching. good analyses

-Knows stuff. Enthusiastic, encouraging.

-In your face hands-on helpful.

- Very dynamic. Thought-stimulating. Was a very excited teacher. very Fair.

-Friendly, intelligent, willing to help students, made self available for extra help.

 
 

Comparative Literature student evaluation %

 
This course was creatively planned 67% strongly agree 22% agree
The discussion topics were 89% well chosen 1 person poorly ...
The instructor was a dynamic teacher 100% Yes, very  
Did the instructor indicate relationships of course content to recent developments 44% yes, quite often 33% yes, often
The instructor stimulated my intellectual curiosity 67% almost always 22% usually
Course served to broaden my understanding of human thought & achievement 56% Yes, definitely 44% yes
Did the instructor raise challenging questions in class? Yes, often 78% 22% usually
The instructor was skillful in observing student reactions 56% Almost always 22% usually
There was a positive interaction between students and instructor 78% Almost always 11% usually
 

 

 

From Grimm's Brothers Class

- Seemed excited about teaching and encouraged students to verbalize their ideas.

 

From Literatura Anglesà dels Origens

- I think the classes are enjoyable because they are more interactive than others.  People can participate, and we can discuss with different points of view.

-I found very interesting and enjoyable they way the instructor approached the subject (explanations, images, activities such as “Telephone” to understand the oral tradition)

 

 
 
Grimm's Brothers student evaluation %

 
The instructor attempted to involve all students in classroom activities 41% strongly agree 32% agree
How often did you sleep or doze? o%  
Did the instructor seem to enjoy teaching? 59% yes, v. much 23% yes
The course was creatively planned 41% strongly agree 23% agree
Did this course increase your interest in the subject matter? 41% yes, greatly 32% yes
Were written assignments returned promptly? 68% Yes, always 23% yes
 

 

    
 

Spanish Student Comments

- very dilligent, enthusiastic, genuinely cares for students

- The instructor communicated the longing to work with us to learn.  The instructor seemed more of a coach helping us to meet the goals of the class.  This conveyed a caring for the students not often seen. 

-Valerie was enthusiastic about the course material & was on time. 

-Major Strength: Valerie's experience and command of Spanish.

- Valerie was very enthusiastic about the class & really tried to keep it upbeat.  She liked to dance and sing for us and kept us interested at a very early morning class.

- She's enthusiastic! Overall, she's a great instructor.

-makes sure everyone understands the material and makes the class interesting.

- She has an excellent knowledge of Spanish and truly seems to enjoy teaching it.

-Valerie knows her material and is very approachable nice person. She is understanding of students and can relate really well.

 

 

 

 

 		  

Corner of

Pride and Joy

5 students who studied Comparative Literature with me have chosen to pursue a career in Comparative Literature.

At least one of my students in Spanish is already a H.S. teacher of  Foreign Languages and has been featured in her local newspaper for her great teaching. 

2 of my students in Barcelona sought my assistance in pursuing studies abroad and are now studying in universities in the United States and Hong Kong.