I read my course evaluations today. I always try to read them with an open mind and heart. It is lovely to read that most of the students I teach love my courses, love the readings, and love the intensely interactive style of my online classes. I teach children’s and Young Adult literature in the SCILS MLIS and PDS programs, and I have been doing so as a part-time lecturer since 2000.

 There are always criticisms, and I try to open myself to them.

I have students who never really get into the class discussions. This affects their grades, of course, but some cannot adapt to the style of online class discussion, where you have to come in many times during a unit to participate.

 Some students were not pleased that I do not have a PhD nor have I worked as a school library media specialist. What I am is an expert in literature for children and teens, and that is what I have to offer. I try to do it richly.

 Some students wanted more than books. These classes are, of course, named “Materials” and we do cover graphic novels, some film, and mention gaming in the YA classes, and audiobooks more or less on the fly. That is a harder question to address. There should be more, and I will have to think hard about that.

 So tell me, my fellow teachers, what have you learned from course evaluations? How does it work for you?

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