The Classroom Critical Incident Questionnaire

Using a one-page form, and based on five open-ended questions, students write down details about events that happened during the week

Step-By-Step Procedure

1. At the end of the last class session of the week, have students anonymously complete a questionnaire to include the following questions:
   • At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?
   • At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?
   • What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?
   • What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most puzzling or confusing?
   • What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reaction to what went on, or anything else that occurs to you.)
2. After analyzing and summarizing the feedback, share the results with your students, as well as the specific action(s) you intend to take as a result of their feedback.

Benefits

1. Instructors are alerted to potential problems before they get out of hand.
2. It encourages students to reflect on their learning.

References

Brookfield, S.D. Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-bass Inc., 1995. 115. Print.

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