Survey Says!

The following are all taken from my end of the year surveys. I have included the questions to which the students were responding. Some of these I included because I think they are funny. Some I included because I think they are telling. I did not include any of them merely for the sake of stroking my own ego. Ok, maybe that's not entirely true; but even the ones that may seem a little egocentric on my part are still pointed, I think. In any event it's my blog, so I get to write what I want. As always my comments in ( ).

What was your least favorite work we read this year and why?

- My least favorite work was The Crucible because it wasn’t really the type of book that wanted me to read more.
- Chuckleberry Finn because some parts seemed like the author was writing just to make the book longer.

What did you like the most about English this year?
- The talks about the works we read that went off on tangents. (The talks went off on tangents, not the books.)
- The righteous tutelage and many interesting arguments between you and the jar-headed students.
- I liked that we did not watch movies because in every other class we do and they are boring.
- That we had a pretty good teacher that was funny and always honest even if it was mean. (“Pretty good?”)
- Honestly, talking about things that were important but not relevant to class. (Oh, it’s all relevant, baby.)
- (This is from a student in the advanced class.) I like that we are trusted that we will read and do the homework and aren’t badgered about useless busywork.
- (Also an advanced student.) I liked being in a class where number grades didn’t matter as much and where the other students cared about school, at least some.
- I liked how it wasn’t about grades but actually learning.

What did you like the least about English?

- Reading.
- The annoying people we all know of.
- Carrying that fat red book. (The English 11 textbook.)
- Too much talking in class. (She meant she doesn’t like to discuss things.)
- [Name removed] walking in every morning late and interrupting our class.

What are one or two important things you have learned this year in English?
- I need to read more of the assignments, and not fall asleep in class.
- You can almost never win an argument with Mr. Chaffee. (No, it's never; not almost, just never.)
- I’ve learned to think about things a little more & in different ways. (I am always so depressed that few students seem to be challenged to think on a regular basis.)
- If you ever need anything done around here, just say “Chaffee.” (I am not entirely sure this is true.)
- Make sure your drink has a re-sealable lid.
- There is actually some good short stories in the world.
- I’ve learned to think for myself, mostly.
- I should never call a teacher a freak. (Took you this long to learn that?)

On a scale of 1 -10 (1 being “easy”) how hard was this class?
- 1 if you do your work, 10 if you don’t, like me.

Do you have any suggestions about how to make English class better?
- Don’t let girls talk.
- Have a Super Awesome Techno Dance Remix Party next year.
- Have smaller classes so more time can be spent 1 on 1.
- Those who read the book/homework should be the ones to contribute in the class discussion.
- No, because you’re not going to change anything so it doesn’t matter.

True, I don't plan to change much.

Jeremiah