Can I evaluate the effectiveness of classroom lessons and activities based on student perception and is this perception connected to certain student characteristics such as age, gender, nationality and level of education?

Debra Blaine, RIRAL

English Class Survey

I am asking my students to fill out the following survey. I want to find out what you like and don't like in your English as a Second Language class. Which activities do you find helpful? What do you think is important?

This survey will help me to make the class more meaningful for you. It's your class and I want it to be the best it can be.

Please be honest. It is very important that you answer truthfully. Do not write your name anywhere on this survey. This survey is completely confidential. It is veyr important for everyone to remain anonymous.

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I know that learning a new language is very difficult. This survey will enable me to tailor the class to you, my students.

Thanks,

Debra Blaine

Please do not write your name on the survey

Nationality _______________________________________ Male___ Female ___ Age ____

Highest level of education in your country: _____ years

a. The following questions are about you. Check yes or no.

I am learning English ....

1. to get a job [yes] [no]

2. to advance on my job [yes] [no]

3. to get a better job [yes] [no]

4. to enter a job training program [yes] [no]

5. to enter college in the future [yes] [no]

6. to help my children with their schoolwork and communicate with their teachers [yes] [no]

7. to become a citizen [yes] [no]

8. to be more independent [yes] [no]

9. other comments? Feel free to write

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Do you speak English... Check one, please

10. at home? [yes, a lot] [sometimes] [never]

11. at work? [yes, a lot] [sometimes] [never]

12. on the phone? [yes, a lot] [sometimes] [never]

13. with your friends? [yes, a lot] [sometimes] [never]

14. in your community (stores, libraries, post office, doctor, welfare office, child's school)?

[yes, a lot] [sometimes] [never]

B. The following questions are about your English class. Check one, please.

Do you like ...

1. working in groups of 3-6 people? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

2. working with partners? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

3. working only alone? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

4. writing on the board? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

5. listening and dictation activities? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

6. reading and answering questions? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

7. writing activities? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

8. writing in your journal? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

9. speaking and discussion activities? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

10. role play activities? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

11. games and puzzles? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

12. pronunciation activities? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

13. the computer? [yes] [usually] [a little] [no]

14. other comments? Feel free to write

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I think .... Check one, please

15. grammar is very important and should be taught at the beginning of each lesson. [yes] [no]

16. grammar is very important and should be taught anytime during the lesson. [yes] [no]

17. life skills English (banking, jobs, the doctor, forms, supermarket) is more important than formal English. [yes] [no]

18.formal English (grammar, writing, spelling) is more important than life skills English. [yes] [no]

19. listening and speaking are more important than reading and writing. [yes] [no]

20. reading and writing are more important than listening and speaking. [yes] [no]

21. the teacher should correct every mistake (writing, pronunciation, grammar). [yes] [no]

22. only the teacher should correct mistakes. [yes] [no]

23. the teacher should know about my culture and language. [yes] [no]

24. it's okay for the class to be relaxed and fun. [yes] [no]

C. Please feel free to write any other commuents about this survey or any ideas you feel are important.

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Thank you for your honest answers and for participating in this survey.

Debra Blaine