HST202 - Winter 2018 - Student Evaluation of Instruction

Instructor comments added in red

2

Rate the 12 questions below
Average rank
 ⇓ N/A

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

1. What was taught agreed with the objectives stated in the catalog or course outline. 1.1  0
2. The instructor exhibited an enthusiasm and interest in the subject. 1.0  0
3. The instructor was knowledgeable in the subject. 1.0  0
4. The instructor used class time effectively. 1.2  0
5. Respected diff. genders, religions, ethnic backgrounds, class status, abilities and lifestyles. 1.3  1
6. The instructor encouraged students to think. 1.3  1
7. The instructor's teaching methods were effective in helping me learn the material. 1.3  2
8. The instructor made an effort to be available to students. 1.2  1
9. Helped students understand the course material and find answers to relevant questions. 1.2  1
10. The instructor was fair and reasonable. 1.2  0
11. The instructor helped me believe I could achieve my potential in this course. 1.4  2
12. Overall, the instructor was effective. Consider both limitations and possibilities. 1.3  0
Responses Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Total N/A
1. What was taught agreed with the objectives stated in the catalog or course outline. 47 (89%) 6 (11%) 0 0 53 0
2. The instructor exhibited an enthusiasm and interest in the subject. 51 (96%) 2 (4%) 0 0 53 0
3. The instructor was knowledgeable in the subject. 51 (96%) 2 (4%) 0 0 53 0
4. The instructor used class time effectively. 42 (79%) 9 (17%) 2 (4%) 0 53 0
5. Respected diff. genders, religions, ethnic backgrounds, class status, abilities and lifestyles. 38 (73%) 14 (27%) 0 0 52 1
6. The instructor encouraged students to think. 38 (73%) 13 (25%) 1 (2%) 0 52 1
7. The instructor's teaching methods were effective in helping me learn the material. 39 (76%) 9 (18%) 3 (6%) 0 51 2
8. The instructor made an effort to be available to students. 41 (79%) 9 (17%) 2 (4%) 0 52 1
9. Helped students understand the course material and find answers to relevant questions. 41 (79%) 10 (19%) 1 (2%) 0 52 1
10. The instructor was fair and reasonable. 41 (77%) 11 (21%) 1 (2%) 0 53 0
11. The instructor helped me believe I could achieve my potential in this course. 36 (71%) 11 (22%) 4 (8%) 0 51 2
12. Overall, the instructor was effective. Consider both limitations and possibilities. 41 (77%) 10 (19%) 2 (4%) 0 53 0

3

What did you like about the class?
Response
I really like how Professor Escobar teaches his lectures, he makes history fun and interesting. If you enjoy or are interested in history you will love how he presents, if not I still think he would have a good interesting class. The Professors viewpoint is very thought-provoking, and can help students understand the material. Professor Escobar is also very helpful if you have any questions, and he makes sure students have any material needed early so you have time to read everything.
The instructor is very engaging in his lectures and made the class very enjoyable. This is the second term I have had with Joe and I always looked forward to attending his class. He is upfront about what he expects from his students and give lots of reminders about what is due and when it is due. Joe is in the top two instructors I have had at Lane and if others ran their classes more like Joe does more students would enjoy their time at Lane.
The passion of the instructor.
everything
Very informative and thorough.
I really like how Joe's lectures are organized with documentary clips embedded in the powerpoints to help put us in the time period and location we're studying about.
The classes are less than an hour and a half, we can take the exams on our own time, and Joe has a fun teaching style.
I found the subjects interesting.
I really enjoyed this class and the new view of United States History without the sugar coating or dancing around the subjects, I thought it was interesting and look forward to learning more from Escobar
If any questions were asked, the instructor took time to explain the answer until understood.
I mean it's more of the same from last term. Straightforward, engaging lecture style; read the book, take notes, show up to class and you'll learn the material.
How explanatory you were on all parts of emails, and the attempt to help during office hours.
During Fall term of 2017 I took history 201 with Professor Escobar. Initially in that class I was simply taking it as a credit towards my major (computer science). So my mood at first was neutral, as the topic of U.S history has little do with programming. After reading some of the text and engaging in the class however, I rediscovered my enjoyment for the topic of history, specifically United States history. After having fun with history 201, and requiring additional social science credits, I quickly signed on for 202 and was not disappointed. Professor Escobar does a fantastic job of teaching United States history while insisting that students also do their own research, and perhaps even add their own bias to the interpretation of both the texts, and lectures. It is not easy to make a topic like history enjoyable, which is why I would thoroughly recommend taking this class with Professor Escobar. In addition to the topic at hand, the grading is exceptionally fair and the work is easy as long as you do the readings assigned in the textbook and actively participate in the forums. Escobar encourages students to approach the topics we discuss with a varying, or even opposing viewpoint contrary to the text (as long as that view is informed and cited correctly). Delving more into the history of our country not only broadened my worldview, but has encouraged me to seek out historical books and facts beyond the classroom.
I think my favorite part of the class was how passionate Mr. Escobar is about history. I think it really helped me absorb the material.
I have taken mr. Escobar 3 terms now and I keep returning because I like his teaching style. He is energetic about the subject and Is very knowledgeable about the subject he teaches.
This class Definitely challenged me with the assignments and understanding the the Time period of the subject. Eye opening and extremely educational in going into depth of the time period. it was great comparing our time period with the 19th century. How they were all crazy and we aren't.
I knew exactly what to expect. Everything was laid out nicely and Joe made his expectations clear.
Went over chapters through slideshows and the online quizzes.
I enjoyed learning about the differences in social class in the North and the South, and why the south wanted to secede from the nation other than slavery.
The professor was extremely knowledgeable and professional. I was refreshed by his ability to convey correct and factual information regarding American history without being biased.
The teacher is great, he gives you everything you need to be successful.
I liked that this class was interesting and really made me think about deeper meanings to historical events.
The pace and the mix of different media (videos, websites, etc.) keep the class interesting.
While taking History 202 with Mr. Escobar, I learned a lot of new things. I really enjoyed how much work he put into preparing us for our exams.
I honestly liked basically everything about the class, from how it was taught to the material learned. Starting the class right at the beginning and ending most of the time at the end was also really nice. The way he taught was really good and I really understood the material in class. He was so into what he was teaching it wanted me to listen and learn about what he was saying
I liked the video clips. I found them to be really informative and sometimes enjoyable. I also liked how the pictures from the power points were posted to moodle. I feel like I learned a lot about our history that I had been taught differently before.
I thought the material was easy to understand and the instructor did a good job explaining things. The forums were a nice way to challenge our thinking and give us room to share our thoughts.
It was my first history class and it was more enjoyable than I had thought
You were knowledgeable, and showed passion in the subject matter.
The fact that it was pretty simple to get a good grade, but you have to put in the effort. This class was also very informational
Everything.
I've taken Joe's class before and my favorite part of the class is still his lectures. He is always enthusiastic and passionate about what he teaches. He also talks about examples of what we are learning in modern day times to keep our interest and show the importance in knowing our history to fully understand our present day. I have never been bored in this class. Also, he makes it a priority to be available and communicate with students. He has the fastest reply time to a moodle message than I have ever seen before with other teachers and in his replies he does his best to answer your questions.
Straightforward grading, great lectures
Everything. I’ve now taken multiple classes from this instructor and his courses are superb. Very knowledgeable, clear in his expectations, more than fair in his grading and a very organized course layout to avoid any confusion.
I liked how the class started right on time and the same with the end. Always on time. Great time management.
I enjoyed the subject and I felt that the instructor was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the class
Although i didn't do that well, i definitely enjoyed the class. I like the way that it was taught and the quizzes each week were a big help on learning the material. the discussions weren't my favorite because I haven't ever really been into this subject so I don't know the material as thoroughly as some of the other students so it was difficult for me to have very good discussions about it.
I loved the structure and lack of unnecessary busywork. Grades are calculated on 5 things, 20 percent each, and I like that kind of simplicity.
Awesome use of hybrid class and very informative.
I liked that he gave us all of the necessary materials to succeed and he made known his expectations of us from the beginning and held true to them.
Very consistent in teaching style and homework load
I liked how the instructor really seemed interested in the subject he was teaching and if the students were truly understanding what was being taught.
I greatly enjoyed the instructor's enthusiasm for the material being taught. It makes it much easier to focus and comprehend the material when teachers themselves are passionate about what they are there for. I really liked the lecture/ note-taking format, it is clear, concise, and provides really helpful notes for the exams. The teacher provides students with all materials necessary to achieving success in this course. Definitely an impactful and favorite teacher of mine!
I really enjoyed how you taught the true facts with little or no bias. Also the forums were very helpful in learning and respectfully engaging with others.
I thought the textbook was interesting and different from any history textbook I had previously read. I felt it was more understandable and the lectures were not helpful and not boring as far as lectures go.
I liked that we had opportunities besides the exams to earn points. I also enjoyed the professors sense of humor which made history a little more interesting to me.
I already stated my overall thoughts on Joe last term when I took History 201, but I still hold to the opinion that he really does show that he is very passionately about history and making sure we get the truthful information. He'll bring up examples from current events, documentaries and even our own textbook when he finds something that could be as interpreted as biased or giving out false information. The love he has for teaching is admirable and I'd happy to have gotten him as a teacher.
The lectures and how we are able to incorporate videos of what happened back then. The reading is very manageable. I love how the class is designed, ie forums and quizzes being open note. For someone who isn't a history major, this type of grading and memorization is more realistic.
I liked how you only had to get 70% on the weekly quizzes to receive full credit. I also liked how the instructor's teaching methods were effective in helping me learn the material. His enthusiasm in the subject made learning it that much easier.
I liked having the ability to get an extra credit through the hybrid style of this course
I liked the powerpoint notes! It was nice to be able to see some visuals along with the notes which were easy to follow along with.
Video clips. I am watching Reconstruction the Second War on YouTube as I write this. I enjoy war documentaries and was introduced to a couple in this class. Also the subject. History is the only class for some reason that when I learn something new I don't completely purge it after an exam.

4

How could this class be improved? Add any comments about the class and/or instructor that you feel might be helpful or useful.
Response
Only way this class can be improved is allowing for more time in the class room so the instructor can go into event in more depth.
More work inside the classroom.
Last year I said the forums but I actually grown to accept them since they challenge your mind on the current topic
Maybe a practice forum to help students understand what visually is expected.
I don't think the class needs improvement.
Ask the class more questions.
More student involvement and discussions in the classroom
Not to make the chapter quizzes due at the beginning of the week so we don't mix up what we learn in class and the chapters we read at home. Final/ midterm study guide to be more guided than just term; make study guide more focused on whats on test instead of everything learned.
An essay component for this class could be interesting, however I feel the forums do an excellent job of both proving what the students have learned, while also exposing students to different views.
I can't think of anything off the top of my head about anything being improved. I think some advice that I could give to future classes is to stay on top of all your stuff and make sure you are checking your email/moodle account.
This term especially, I felt like there were certain students who were using any excuse to input their political values. Sometimes students would go off on 5 minute tangents about their own political views with zero respect for anyone around them. I would appreciate if in the future, the instructor would do more to not let this happen because I felt disrespected because these peoples beliefs were different from my own and they had zero filter about it.   I'm sure it FELT like it, but there is no way I let anything like you describe go on for 5 whole minutes.  However, I completely agree with your main point and I hear you loud and clear.
It really cracked me up all the photos you had with things that were wrong and put the thumbs down to show your disapproval. thanks joe
He's got everything down to a science. Wow Joe
More useful tips to study class material, or a more structured study guide classified by each chapter.
I feel as though the teacher could show more enthusiasm through the tone of his voice, so I can tell what to pay attention to. Also, his slides should state a conclusion for what the student has to know in order to pass the chapter. In conclusion to these notes, I feel as though the quizzes should be due at the end of the week and not the beginning.
I just would prefer a history class that isn't hybrid and involving interaction between students online.
Less reading, the textbook is sometimes tough to understand, and trying to learn from 400 pages a term while quiz/exam questions can be random throughout the book.
I think it could have a few more online components.
Nothing - I wish all of my classes were in this format!
none
I feel that there should be homework that needs to be turned in directly to the teacher like a paper copy, but that does also take more work.
I found the map questions on the exam kind of confusing. That might just be me.
I thought Escobar did a good job relating things in history to current events however sometimes I felt he was a little extreme in comparing some of the examples and it kind of annoyed me a little. One of the examples was when he said how people were upset about the current US travel ban of certain people but "we have always done this in the example of the Chinese exclusion act" which yes we have done it before however people are mad because as Americans, I'd hope we have learned from these racist and xenophobic ideologies. But we haven't.  So MANY supposedly educated people don't know the history of their own nation.  So yes people are allowed to mad because this shouldn't still be happening even if it happened 100 years ago. But it is still happening.  Why do you think that is?  That's just my thoughts on that.
I think having the forums start and end on Saturdays made them a little more difficult because it was difficult to line up with my schedule and still post through the week. Overall the class was incredibly fun and i learned a lot.
Not a fan of the forums. I understand the point of them: however, for me personally they were not effective toward my learning of the subject matter.
I don't see any improvements that need to be made.
Good as is.
Don't fix what isn't broken.
I don’t know of a single thing that can be improved.
I would personally like to see the deadline for the final forum post moved to the following Monday instead of Saturday
I think overall the class is already pretty well put together.
Very little could improve this class.
Forum start and deadline. Would be nice if they were extended. In a perfect world they initial posting would be available Thursday morning and closeout Monday.
I think it's great-- no improvements needed
i found the forums to be expecting more than many seemed to be able to produce.
N/a
Overall I think this class was great and I can’t honestly think of one thing that should be changed.
I felt the class could have had more group work. The only time we had discussions was on the online forums which was still helpful but I think the class could benefit from more interaction between students and teacher in the classroom.
This class could be improved by having less resources which can be used on the exams. Although the videos in class were helpful in understanding some material, it is hard to remember quotes from weeks ago in class.
As someone who has himself interrupted class or gotten us off topic for long periods of time during a discussion, I'm sure I end up wasting important class time, even if I think that what I'm talking about is, in my mind, worth bringing up (which there's no guarantee that it actually is). I know Joe wants us all to be comfortable and encourages conversation, but I think it's better if, should whatever we're talking about gets TOO off topic, he interrupt and let us know we need to stay on track.
I don't have any complains with this class. I have taken 201 with you and now I will be signing up for 203 spring term. I've really enjoyed your lectures and it's made history a lot more enjoyable for me.
Give the students a little more time to copy down the notes at times.
Make sure students have enough time to write down the notes being given
I think that the class could be improved by getting students more involved in discussion and doing some group or partner work as well. Also sometimes it was difficult to keep up with notes and lecture because of how fast we went over things and changed slides. I wish that we had more time to discuss specific things and write down everything that we wanted to.   This comment is made to address a number of similar issues above.  

Concerning more in class discussion, I explained on the first day of class that this hybrid class is shorter (3 instead of 4 hours a week in the classroom), so the big discussions need to be done online. And online, EVERY student gets to participate, not just the 3 or 4 most vocal students that seem to exist in every class.

As far as "time to copy slides", I'm afraid that too many students are coming to class unprepared.  They come with NO notes of their own.  We don't read the textbook during class; moreover, it seems that students either don't know OR refuse to take notes on their own as they read and study.  Instead, they come to class with a blank pad of paper and expect to write down only what they hear in class.  That is not the way to pursue a truly worthwhile education, as far as I'm concerned.
Not really sure. I think your experience shows and your class will improve as it can through multimedia usage and tech upgrades etc. One day maybe you will be able to put on VR glasses and using Google maplike tech be able to walk some place you are not currently. So we could walk and get a virtual tour with those overly excited Ranger guys who know every little detail on some battlefield.