Each year I pass out a student interest survey during the first couple days of school. I try to glance over each of them, only to be interrupted by– 1- my own ADD brain- oops, I forgot I’m supposed to be at a meeting or was supposed to turn in these student forms (one of the thousands we were supposed to collect). To make my life easier, I created a back to school digital student survey!
This year, I’ve decided that these obstacles are NOT going to get into the way! I’m going to have easy access to these surveys AND be able to refer to them quickly when needed, but not because I have to put in a bunch of extra time!!! I’ve learned that it’s extremely important to know what’s going on with your students–not just their likes and dislikes, but the more personal things that they may not want to share otherwise.
I certainly don’t ask the very personal questions in the survey. I make sure to word it something like, “Is there anything you would like me to know about you? Keep in mind, other students will not be seeing the surveys. It will be sent directly to me.” Notice I didn’t say that I won’t share this w/ anyone, because by law, if a child tells a teacher something that may harm them, we are considered mandated reporters and have to inform the necessary individuals.
So how am I going to make process this more effective?
I created a Digital Back to School Student Survey on Google Forms. When students answer the questions on Google Forms, it saves automatically. Then their answers are also automatically put into a spreadsheet– also saved on your Google Drive (see the steps below for exactly how to do this). How awesome is that?!?
Throughout the year, I can refer back to all of the info I have stored, and I can add to it if necessary. This year I also plan to have my students complete the same survey during the middle of the year. This will allow me to see if there have been any changes. Another plus is that you can modify the form if you need to make changes to questions or if you need to add new ones.
How to Analyze Students’ Answers
How to Share with Students
In order for students to complete these surveys, I will post the link to Google Classroom (or whatever learning management system you use). Simply share the link, and students are on their way!
If you would like other back to school tips that will help you to have a successful year, check out this blog post. I also previously blogged about 10 teacher must haves. You can view this here. How do you use the beginning of the year student surveys? Tell me all about it in the comments.
Great post. I, too, that I had not got to know well enough who ended up running away at some point. It was a hard year, and I make connecting with students top priority. I'll be interested to know how the google doc solution works for you. Keep us posted.
I'll definitely keep you posted! Thanks!
Thank you for this great post! I'm switching over to Google Classroom for this year, and I'm just learning everything. I'd bought your survey, but didn't know about the spreadsheet. So, this was very informative!
Janet,
Thanks so much for stopping by! You will LOVE Google Classroom! I can't say enough positive things about it. I'm actually working on a post now about why every teacher should use Classroom w/ their students. Thanks again!
You just made a lightbulb go off! I have a student survey, and also one specific to Reading. I'm going to put them on Schoology for my students to respond to. Thanks for the brilliant tip!
That's great! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love school surveys/ student reflections and try to do them often throughout the year to get a feel for what is really going on behind the scenes. I really like the google apps approach and I'm excited to hear how it goes.
Oh my! This is a perfect idea. I love the idea of setting this survey as a first homework and then returning to it throughout the year. Thank you. Now following your blog.
Oooh! That's a great idea! I think I'll do it that way too! Thanks so much for stopping by! Love how we all can learn from each other!
Oooh! That's a great idea! I think I'll do it that way too! Thanks so much for stopping by! Love how we all can learn from each other!
Oooh! That's a great idea! I think I'll do it that way too! Thanks so much for stopping by! Love how we all can learn from each other!
Great idea! I'm going to use my student interest survey on Google this year too! Thanks for the tip!
Darlene Anne
ELA Buffet