Happy Or Not? Roots of Student Satisfaction in Class Sessions

Businesses and organizations are turning to fast feedback devices that measure consumer satisfaction. These standalone devices often have four or five different smiley-face buttons that can quickly gauge consumer sentiment. These devices are becoming popular due to the short time commitment needed to provide feedback.

This instructor has piloted the use of a smiley-face survey tool that is used at the end of each class session. Initial results suggest the role of the instructor may play a lesser role in student happiness for a given class. External factors, such as outside event or incoming GPA, appear to have a larger effect on class satisfaction. Data from classes and sample email exchanges will be presented. This type of fast feedback system has many potential benefits and low startup costs.