student comments
(selected from free response section of evaluation forms)
General
"The way [the course] was structured helped to bring out my very best writing."
"I believe the freedom he gave us to do our own work and create our own research was a learning experience for everyone."
"[This course] helped my writing immensely as well as my research ability."
"I took the most from this course than any other this semester."
"The whole step-by-step progression "portfolio" approach was amazing."
"Class was fun (by far my favorite). I really learned so much about thinking analytically."
"[The most beneficial aspect of the course was] learning different writing styles and which ones were the most effective."
"I've never written an ethnography before so this class was interesting and it helped me write better research papers."
"The writing assignments helped me to get myself organized and writing creatively."
Class Discussion
"Derek was able to relate to students through his excellent interactions in class. He made group discussion happen in the class by asking questions pertaining to students' interests."
"I like his way of getting the class to answer each others' questions."
"A great job of leading discussions, and explaining certain assignments."
"The discussions felt like the entire class, including the instructor, were really discovering what the readings meant. He didn't convey the feeling a traditional teaching/lecturer usually does, but someone who is more of a guide or the same level as the students."
"He knows what questions to ask, rather than providing an answer of his own."
"The discussions were most beneficial because it helped me see thinks in other points of view and not just in my own. He never made anyone feel that their answer was wrong."
"Seems enthusiastic and continually encouraged participation, even though our class was extremely quiet."
Instructor-Led Peer Workshops
"The peer workshops were the most beneficial [aspect of the course] to me, because it allowed me to see different things I could do with my papers and the way other students think."
"Peer evaluations were beneficial. He helped everyone talk in a less intimidating place."
"He is doing a good job in helping students after the first draft. I was able to make huge changes in my paper after the conference."
"Peer evaluations were beneficial as well as your comments on my papers."
"The paper meetings were very beneficial. The peer and teacher comments helped a lot."
"Reviewing other papers while we were writing ours helped."
"I liked the peer workshops because it allowed many people to give me feedback on my essay."
"I thought writing the papers and then having small group meetings was beneficial because it let me see what my peers thought of my papers."
Instructor
"He's interesting, and pushes each person to think beyond just the basics. He doesn't tell you the answers, the way to write, instead makes the writer think for themselves."
"He has a very good plan for this class and high expectations that make the students meet them."
"Enthusiastic. Pushes us to think critically."
"[He was] interested in the topic I was writing about."
"I think that Derek was very good at strengthening the level of writing and analysis in my writing."
"I think the instructor truly has a passion for what he teaches. It helps when the teacher likes what he is talking about."
"He was very good at sparking ideas in your own head to improve yourself as a writer."
Computer Classroom
"Being in the lab was a nice change and allowed us to have the computers to do different writing activities—definitely a plus."
"I liked using Blackboard [the online course management system] because it got everyone involved who did not feel comfortable speaking up."
"I enjoyed the computer lab sessions that we had. I felt that the class was more open by talking and sharing through the computer."