I'm hoping to learn your thoughts when they're fresh on your mind,
but if you can't slog through a questionnaire right now, OK,
then please promise to submit it within a few days.

I. This semester - the content

Overall question: What have you learned thus far? Is it of importance to you?

1. Ability to read a research article?
2. Ability to address problems whose nature may not be immediately clear?
3. We've dabbled some in numbers (e.g. probabilities), perhaps more so than in most biology courses.
   Your level of comfort? Sense any improvement?
4. Engagement with molecular biology, how biological things work at the molecular level?
5. What of importance do you anticipate you will learn in the remainder of the course?
6. Any suggestions?

Comments Content

II. This semester - the means

Part 1: What has been useful?

1. How to find articles, including Library Treasure Hunt
2. Problem sets and feedback?
3. Investigations (What is a Gene, building your own DNA, PCR simulation)?
4. Focus on results vs conclusion, including Mary Had a Little Lamb, annotation of a T4 gene, and feedback
5. Research proposal, including finding a mentor, interaction with mentor, bibliography
6. Notes and companions
7. Other opportunities for feedback, including interaction with Kristen and myself

Comments Means

Part 2: Use of class time

Few of you have fully embraced the model for the course:

• Complete the notes and study questions before class
• Offer suggestions via a questionnaire
• Discuss what needs to be discussed in class

This, of course, is a vote, and a powerful one at that, leaving me to wonder what is the best use of class time. I am unwilling to return to the lecture, notes, regurgitate cycle. Lectures would be easier on all of us, but in my view, the easy-in, easy-out approach would have little value for you besides a mildly entertaining way (maybe) of passing the time before gaining a degree. So, what to do? Comments welcome.

1. Have class discussions guided by questionnaires been useful to you?
   
2. Has working in groups in class been useful to you?
3. Do you feel you've had sufficient opportunity to influence the course according to your needs?
4. I've tried to help you find ways to learn from each other (group sessions in class, Who We Are site,...). Comments?

Comments Class time

III. This exam

1. How long did you spend on this exam? (use appropriate units and scientific notation if necessary)
2. How effective was the exam as a learning experience?
3. How would you characterize your sentiment now with respect to your recent experience?
   For example, you're cautiously satisfied with what you understand? Elated with your progress? Crushed, like so much oatmeal?
4. Do you feel that the exam deliver on its promise that it would be based on problem sets, tours, and study questions?

Comments Exam

IV. Time

Arriving at new insights takes struggle, and struggle takes time. Have you been inclined to put in the time?
Do you have the time to put in?

1. About how many hours do you spend on the course outside of class and lab?
2. How do you feel about this amount of time?

   Comments Time

V. Bottom line

Looking back on the first part of this semester, characterize your sense of what you've accomplished.
Are you satisfied with where you are?
Do you feel you can do things but don't know why you're doing them?
Do you feel at sea without a rudder?

Comments Everything

Thanks!

REMEMBER TO CLICK SUBMIT!