Surveying Students Regularly Can Yield Valuable Connections

I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years, and every year during the first week of school I’ve given students a survey to fill out so I can get to know them. Last year, as part of my professional development, I made a change: I decided to incorporate surveys not just at the beginning, but throughout the entire school year. Students change and grow over the year, and I realized I was missing the chance to get to know them on an ongoing basis.

I’m now in my second year of implementing this practice, and I have been absolutely amazed at the vital information it has given me as I get to know the students—and they get to know me. In a high school setting, with five or six classes, 150 students, and ever-pressing curriculum needs, these surveys make the time for what is most important: a human connection. Importantly, for introverts like me and many of my students, they provide a way around the stress of icebreakers and sharing personal information in front of the entire class.

I give a variety of different surveys throughout the year, and I administer them via our school’s learning management system (Schoology), so that students can submit their answers directly.

Personal goals and challenges

The survey that I give about two to three times per marking period is titled “How Ya Livin’?” It was inspired by Rick Rigsby’s viral graduation speech, which I share with my students at the beginning of the year. In his powerful speech, he uses the question “How ya livin’?” as a reminder to focus on making the most out of the time we are given, especially during tough stretches. In this survey, I ask students these questions:

1. What have been your major obstacles to finding success this school year?

2. What do you need the most help with? (It can be any class/any teacher/any skill.) Why?

3. Where are you finding your greatest school success? Explain.

4. What is the one thing you wish that I, as your teacher, knew about you?

5. Reflect on our class this year. How are we doing? What suggestions do you have for me or the class?

6. What is a goal you have set for yourself this year? (It does not have to be something in school.) How are you doing on your journey to make it happen?

Self-assessments

Major assignments: I also give surveys to students after major assignments and assessments for which I provide feedback but no grade. Instead, I have them grade themselves and reflect on strengths and areas of growth. I have found that students can be far too hard on themselves. This self-assessment survey can help them see themselves as a whole person, not just one grade. It emphasizes that learning is not about points, but about growth. And it also avoids that dreaded scenario of having given a wealth of written feedback, only to see the student look at just the grade before shoving the paper into their backpack or the recycling bin. I give this survey twice per marking period on average. I include these questions:

1. What is the name of the assignment?

2. Before reviewing the assignment, write down your general thoughts about it.

3. After reviewing the teacher feedback, write what you think most needs improvement. Are there any patterns?

4. How will you address these areas of growth? What steps will you take to improve your skills on a similar assignment in the future?

5. What did you do best? What are you most proud of? Give at least one specific example.

6. What letter grade would you assign to yourself for this assignment? Why?

7. Write at least one question and one suggestion for me.

8. What do you want me to know?

Smaller assignments: I do a shorter survey when we are discussing current events, about once every week or two. I have students watch an episode of The World from A to Z with Carl Azuz and then have them answer these five questions:

1. What is one of the news items that jumped out at you? Write it down and explain why you chose it. Use specific evidence. Your answer should include at least five lines for each item—put some time and thought into it.

2. Write one question you have about the video or something you want to know more about the topic.

3. How are you doing today?

4. What’s something good that’s happened recently?

5. What are your thoughts/goals for the rest of the school year?

Many benefits

Administering surveys takes work. The challenge is having to read and meaningfully respond to submissions on the day they are written—this is vital to building trust. Students respond with honesty and sometimes reach out for help, so it is crucial to respond right away.

The upside? I have gotten to know about activities, family celebrations, and so much more that otherwise would not have been possible. I have been able to get students the help they need in personal situations. I have had students ask me how I’m doing as well, and I have responded honestly, since this is two-way communication. I have set aside entire lessons to focus on student reflections and needs. I have heard about the stresses of a student’s week and have rescheduled a test because of how much is going on in other classes.

With the surveys, students who may not feel comfortable sharing their questions or concerns about current events now have a forum with an adult who sees them as an individual. My favorite part? When students ask me to give another survey when they feel it’s been too long. That shows that they want to be seen and heard.