Student Surveys
Getting to know who your students are as individuals can help you to build an inclusive, respectful and accepting classroom environment. This will not only help to keep your students highly engaged in learning, but will also provide a safe space for them when navigating tough times that will encourage them to open up and seek support when needed. Start to see your classroom management improve when every child is felt respected and heard.
A Key to Classroom Management is knowledge about your students.
So often we enter the classroom and expect our students to respect us without having done anything to earn it. Think about it. When was the last time you automatically respected a person you'd only just met? Normally, it takes me a while. That person's actions, consistent over time, will eventually earn my trust and admiration. So why should we expect to receive this instantaneously from our students?
Building positive relationships with our students is about taking time. Give your students a survey, so you can gather information about their preferred learning styles. More importantly, take the time to read the survey. Gather little nuggets of information and weave them into conversations you are having with the students. That twinkle in their eyes that lets you know that "you get me" is magical.
Types of Questions found in the Multi-Subject Survey (All other surveys use a small part)
Section 1: Information about you
First name and nickname
Last name
What is one thing I should know about you?
When you have a few moments to do whatever you want, what do you like to do?
Do you think you are smart? Why or why not?
Complete this sentence. I really hate when teachers …
What are some ways that the teacher can show you, as a student, is valued?
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
What is your LEAST favorite subject in school? Why?
Section 2: Strengths and Areas of Growth (Sample)
What level of dedication do you give to learning new subject
Rank your subjects from least to favorite?
How often do you read at home?
What is your comfort level with reading in general?
Review the various types of books and let me know if you would enjoy having that genre or style in the classroom library.
What is your comfort level with the foundations of math?
What is your comfort level with the following areas of math?
How much do you enjoy learning about history?
What focus would you like teachers to take when teaching science?
What focus would you like teachers to take when teaching physical education?
What is your comfort level with art?
What is the one academic thing that you hope we do this year in class?
Section 3: Information about Classroom Environment
How well do you work with your classmates?
How much do you like to help others?
How much do you like to work in cooperative learning groups?
How well do you follow oral directions?
How well do you remember to raise your hand when you want to speak?
How well do you remember to listen when the teacher is speaking?
How well do you remember to listen when one of your classmates is speaking?
How neatly do you keep your desk?
When you have forgotten a class rule, how do you want the teacher to remind you of appropriate behavior?
Check all the choices that demonstrates that you are a responsible student. I am a responsible student when I …
How well do you meet deadlines and turn-in your class-work in a timely manner?
How often do you turn-in your homework?
Do you consider yourself a well-behaved student? Why do you say that?