MARS 1010 Exam Review Session Project

Nearly 300 students were enrolled in MARS 1010, the overview course of the Marine Environment (see description above). Four lecture exams comprised 70% of the course grade (with laboratory grades accounting for the remainder). Another Teaching Assistant (Kasie Groom) and I held ad hoc review sessions for students in the Fall Semester of 2007. Our goal was to provide students an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the exam material. These review sessions were well attended, allowing a more intimate setting for discussion.

We received many positive comments from students attending these sessions. To access the overall benefit that attending students received, we designed a web based survey for students to anonymously evaluate the review sessions. A large majority of students attending the sessions (83%) indicated that the review sessions improved their lab score and the comments students wrote were overwhelmingly positive and appreciative. We have sent these evaluations to the course designers and recommended that more conducting exam review sessions should be a recognized as an important component of TA responsibilities that assists in student mastery of the material. More frequent review sessions will reduce the number of students in each session and allow for more complete participation.

A web-based, anonymous survey was used to collect student opinions and recommendations for the review course (surveymonkey). The link to the survey was sent to the emails from the sign-in list that was circulated during the session. No sign-in lists circulated during the first three sessions; email addresses were collected only for the last two review session.

Approximately 60 students were emailed the web link to the survey. After two weeks (during which time there was one reminder email), 23 students responded. The completed survey results are available in an Excel spreadsheet (MARS1010 - Survey Results.xls).  

Nothing, they were great. Matt was very informative and helpful, as always.  

If the lectures had a point and the slides were understandable, then it would be easier to review. Otherwise, good job.  

Somehow make them smaller. I noticed several people did not have seats if they arrived a little late.  

Nothing! They were great!!  

Kasie does not need to improve anything. Because of her review session, I barely even needed to study on my own! I was very happy with my test grades and they were as good as they were because of Kasie! I adore her and I am so thankful she took time out of her busy schedule to help her students!  

More TAs = More Help to Students

 Find bigger room!  

lead them based more directly from what's going to be on the exam, rather than relying mainly on questions from students.  

Post it on Web CT so everyone can know about them or announce them in lecture, that way people who are attending class are receiving the first priority.

 if it all possible, i [sic] would focus solely on the objectives and reviewing major concepts, and of course answering questions students have. studying completed objectives is the most effective use of time.

 More TA's should give them so they're less crowded

Matt First's Teaching Portfolio