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summary of teaching evaluations

Overall, the majority of students have rated my quality of teaching as “excellent” for Spanish language courses.  Lab scores are lower, which is as much a function of the nature of lab as the quality of my teaching.  I am consistently rated “good” or “excellent”.

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students' comments about my teaching

What did you like best and least about your instructor? Why?

"Before I had Laura in class, I had 3 years of Spanish in high school, however I learned very little. I've learned more in this semester than I did in 3 years of high school. Laura did an excellent job in involving everyone in class and was very accessible if we needed her outside of class." (Spanish 101, Fall 2002)

"I like that she speaks to you on a personal level. It makes a better student-teacher relationship. I liked the least about her, that she talked so much Spanish. Sometimes it got confusing." (Spanish 101, Fall 2002)

"What I liked best was the instructor's ability to explain material clearly. She communicated in a personable manner to the class--she talked to the class, not at. " (Spanish 101, Fall 2002)

"I thought she did an excellent job. She was very helpful outside of class also. Way to go Laura." (Spanish 102, Spring 2004)

"The instructor was very fair and understanding and seemed to generally want the students to [be] learning. She was also funny and happy which made the class more enjoyable to come to. The[re] isn't much I can complain about besides maybe having not enough preparation for the exam (maybe that's because I didn't prepare well for it though)." (Spanish 102 Lab, Fall 2004)

"She can relate to us really well and treats us as equals, and when we are confused about something, she knows just the right way to explain it to us." (Spanish 102 Lab, Fall 2004)

"She is very dymanic and patient. These qualities helped to keep my interest while still encouraging me to learn. Honestly--no least." (Spanish 201, Fall 2004)

"Laura taught me so much. She has been a great teacher. I wish the course was longer!" (Spanish 201, Fall 2004)

"She was very, very nice. She took an obvious and strong interest in Spanish and tried to get the class enthused and interested as well. That is such an important thing for foreign language and all classes for that mattter." (Spanish 201, Fall 2004)

"She really cared about us and her subject. I just want to say that on top of teaching me more than any teacher I had in high school Spanish (I'm a freshman), her enthusiasm and interest in her class really made me feel important, like I could really learn something." (Spanish 202, Fall 2005, U of Kentucky)

"Charisma, strong voice, excellent presence." (Spanish 102, Fall 2005, Transylvania U)

What aspects of the course did you like best and least? Why?

"Her attitude and friendliness made me want to come to class. The way she teaches appeals to me and makes me want to learn. She does everything to make Spanish easier." (Spanish 101, Fall 2002)

"She graded a lot harder than other Spanish teachers I've had." (Spanish 202, Fall 2005, U of Kentucky)

What are the weaknesses of this course thus far? (midterm evaluation)

"This is a great class--I don't know of any real weaknesses; the teacher is fair and the lessons are interesting." (Spanish 102, Spring 2003)

"Goes a little fast at times. Tries to cover too much in too short a time." (Spanish 102, Fall 2005, Transylvania U)

What are the strengths of this course thus far? (midterm evaluation)

"Laura actually has a personal relationship with the students. I pay more atttention to her because of this." (Spanish 201, Fall 2003)

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