Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
May 6, 2004, Page 1
The time has come when students get a chance to grade their professors.
Teacher evaluations take place at the end of every semester. These evaluations consist of several questions dealing with the professor’s teaching skills, attitude, relationship to students, assignments and tests. The students fill in the circles ranging from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.”
Many students feel that these evaluations are just a waste of time and have questions about what happens to the forms after students fill in their opinions.
The envelopes are sealed and handed in by a student after they leave the classroom. The evaluations remain anonymous to the professors.
Kathy Sand, Faculty Office Manager and Head Secretary, said that once the envelopes are handed to her, she scans them and the evaluations are turned into numerical data. She says this takes three or four days to do.
Following scanning, this data is sent to the Institutional Research office for analysis. This is where Rebecca Gonzales’ role in the process begins.
“After the results are given to me, I turn them into a statistical analysis,” Gonzales said. “From here, they go to Academic Affairs.”
Director of Academic Affairs Nan Weilage said that the analysis becomes a summary sheet. Each course has an individual ranking and all the courses together get an overall ranking. Each department keeps a copy in their file to use in faculty reviews.
“These definitely are considered in the reviews,” Weilage said.
While faculty does get reviewed every year, the first, third and sixth year reviews are considered more important than most years. Student evaluations play a major role in these reviews.
The evaluations are then handed back to the professors, but if everyone involved in the process is busy, this can take up to two months. Giving the sheets back to the professors is designed to help them improve in weaker areas.
Not only does the evaluation go back to the faculty member, a cover sheet that explains it and the overall evaluation of the faculty is attached. Professors do not see others’ individual reviews, they are only shown the general results.
Kathy Sand said that handwritten comments by students are also given to the professors once grades are turned in.
After learning how the evaluation process works, students have some ideas on how to improve it. A number of students said that they felt the evaluations were too broad.
One student commented on how the questions are the same for every course. For example, a music professor and a math professor have completely different forms of teaching, yet the same questions are asked about the way they teach.
“I think they’re vague,” junior Jason Sillasen said. “I never see anything happen with them.”
Students suggested asking for actual, written answers from students, instead of just filling in circles. They feel this might be a more efficient way of seeing if students feel the professors are doing a good job.
Showing posts with label Megan Bowen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Megan Bowen. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Spring Choral Festival ends with tears, smiles
Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
April 29, 2004, Page 7
The tears started flowing early Sunday as the two choirs, Doane Choir and Collegiate Chorale, prepared for their concert. This would be the next to last concert Professor Larry Monson would direct for these two groups, as he is retiring at the end of the semester.
The choirs sang at the First Plymouth Church in Lincoln on Sunday. The performance was underway promptly at 3 p.m., starting with the Collegiate Choral.
They began with a piece by Gottfried August Homilius entitled “Deo Dicamus Gratias,” meaning to God give thanks. This song was sung in Latin. Following that junior Marcus Kroese student-conducted another Latin piece. This one, written by John Leavitt, was called “Festival Sanctus.” Junior Dustin Witte narrated the next piece. It was named “Saul,” based on the book of Acts 8:1-4, and 7-9. It was composed by Egil Hovland.
“Samba-lele,” written by Daniel Afonso, was sung in Portuguese. This song came with a little background. It is a Brazilian folk song which tells the story of Samba-lele who, despite being sick with a broken head, still finds time to flirt with a beautiful brunette.
Senior Randy Garton student-conducted the next composition, “Soon-a Will Be Done,” arranged by William Dawson.
Collegiate Choral then left the stage and Doane Choir came on. Their first piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, titled “Venite Populi” was sung in Latin, as was the following piece by Anton Bruckner, “Os Justi.” “Venite Populi” had three parts: allegro, adagio and then allegro. “Os Justi” was based on Psalm 37: 30-31.
The songs shifted, and junior Scott Morris accompanied the choir on his alto saxophone. The song “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song,” arranged by Douglas Starr, was followed by “Alleluia” by Ralph Manuel.
“Gloria in Excelsis,” written by Charles Stanford, was accompanied by brass, organ and the choir, with a solo by senior Shannon King. “Prologue to Mefistofele,” composed by Arrigo Boito and arranged by Brian Pfoltner, was preceded by “Crossin’ Ovah,” a song arranged by Richard Jackson. Junior Marcus Kroese soloed with the choir as his back up.
The choirs combined, along with the Plymouth Brass, directed by Dr. Charles Ore. They sang four songs. “Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals” by Karg-Elert, arranged by Arthur Harris; “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” arranged by Gilbert Martin; “Now Thank We All Our God,” arranged by John Hotchkis, and finally “America the Beautiful,” arranged by James Mulholland.
As the group sang the last note, the crowd exploded into applause and gave them a standing ovation. The emotional experience ended with tears, but also with smiles.
Staff Writer
April 29, 2004, Page 7
The tears started flowing early Sunday as the two choirs, Doane Choir and Collegiate Chorale, prepared for their concert. This would be the next to last concert Professor Larry Monson would direct for these two groups, as he is retiring at the end of the semester.
The choirs sang at the First Plymouth Church in Lincoln on Sunday. The performance was underway promptly at 3 p.m., starting with the Collegiate Choral.
They began with a piece by Gottfried August Homilius entitled “Deo Dicamus Gratias,” meaning to God give thanks. This song was sung in Latin. Following that junior Marcus Kroese student-conducted another Latin piece. This one, written by John Leavitt, was called “Festival Sanctus.” Junior Dustin Witte narrated the next piece. It was named “Saul,” based on the book of Acts 8:1-4, and 7-9. It was composed by Egil Hovland.
“Samba-lele,” written by Daniel Afonso, was sung in Portuguese. This song came with a little background. It is a Brazilian folk song which tells the story of Samba-lele who, despite being sick with a broken head, still finds time to flirt with a beautiful brunette.
Senior Randy Garton student-conducted the next composition, “Soon-a Will Be Done,” arranged by William Dawson.
Collegiate Choral then left the stage and Doane Choir came on. Their first piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, titled “Venite Populi” was sung in Latin, as was the following piece by Anton Bruckner, “Os Justi.” “Venite Populi” had three parts: allegro, adagio and then allegro. “Os Justi” was based on Psalm 37: 30-31.
The songs shifted, and junior Scott Morris accompanied the choir on his alto saxophone. The song “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song,” arranged by Douglas Starr, was followed by “Alleluia” by Ralph Manuel.
“Gloria in Excelsis,” written by Charles Stanford, was accompanied by brass, organ and the choir, with a solo by senior Shannon King. “Prologue to Mefistofele,” composed by Arrigo Boito and arranged by Brian Pfoltner, was preceded by “Crossin’ Ovah,” a song arranged by Richard Jackson. Junior Marcus Kroese soloed with the choir as his back up.
The choirs combined, along with the Plymouth Brass, directed by Dr. Charles Ore. They sang four songs. “Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals” by Karg-Elert, arranged by Arthur Harris; “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” arranged by Gilbert Martin; “Now Thank We All Our God,” arranged by John Hotchkis, and finally “America the Beautiful,” arranged by James Mulholland.
As the group sang the last note, the crowd exploded into applause and gave them a standing ovation. The emotional experience ended with tears, but also with smiles.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Seniors prepare for their final projects
Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
The end of the school year is just around the corner, and for the seniors, that means the end of their undergraduate experience.
Even though they are just weeks from being in the "real world," most of them are still required to work hard and finish up. One of the big things that some seniors have to do is the senior research projects. Not everyone has to do one, but a few majors require it.
Two of the prominent major fields where research projects are a must are the Biology and English departments. Biology majors do a two-semester lab or field research project. Students are to conduct a scientific study concluding with a report.
"There are quite a few working on research projects," said Barbara Clement, associate professor of Biology. "I believe there are two working on neuroscience projects, two on fish behavior, one is researching the genetics of prairie dogs and one is doing the endophytes of plants with medicinal value."
For the English majors, students are to come up with an argument about one or more of William Faulkner's works. Brad Johnson, assistant professor of English, said he requires the research to be thorough and the writing precise. Some of the current topics are "Images of Mechanization in Faulkner's Work," "Faulkner's Depiction of Confederate Women" and "The Linguistic Qualities of Faulkner's ‘As I Lay Dying.’" He wants these topics to be refined into focused arguments of roughly 20 pages.
"I enjoy assigning and reading literary research because it requires that students be tireless detectives who gather and examine evidence, formulate theories based on that evidence, and write convincingly about their discoveries," Johnson said.
He believes that research is the central activity in the college experience. When students write research papers, they weigh their views against the views of other critics. Although students may run into obstacles along the way, the process eventually leads them into a deeper understanding of literature and the values of those who respond to it.
"Students discover that they have a much greater appreciation for a work of literature when they examine the diverse, sometimes outlandish, things that have been said about it," Johnson said. "Hopefully, they also develop a greater appreciation for themselves as critics who are qualified to take part in the debate."
Staff Writer
April 22, 2004, Page 3
The end of the school year is just around the corner, and for the seniors, that means the end of their undergraduate experience.
Even though they are just weeks from being in the "real world," most of them are still required to work hard and finish up. One of the big things that some seniors have to do is the senior research projects. Not everyone has to do one, but a few majors require it.
Two of the prominent major fields where research projects are a must are the Biology and English departments. Biology majors do a two-semester lab or field research project. Students are to conduct a scientific study concluding with a report.
"There are quite a few working on research projects," said Barbara Clement, associate professor of Biology. "I believe there are two working on neuroscience projects, two on fish behavior, one is researching the genetics of prairie dogs and one is doing the endophytes of plants with medicinal value."
For the English majors, students are to come up with an argument about one or more of William Faulkner's works. Brad Johnson, assistant professor of English, said he requires the research to be thorough and the writing precise. Some of the current topics are "Images of Mechanization in Faulkner's Work," "Faulkner's Depiction of Confederate Women" and "The Linguistic Qualities of Faulkner's ‘As I Lay Dying.’" He wants these topics to be refined into focused arguments of roughly 20 pages.
"I enjoy assigning and reading literary research because it requires that students be tireless detectives who gather and examine evidence, formulate theories based on that evidence, and write convincingly about their discoveries," Johnson said.
He believes that research is the central activity in the college experience. When students write research papers, they weigh their views against the views of other critics. Although students may run into obstacles along the way, the process eventually leads them into a deeper understanding of literature and the values of those who respond to it.
"Students discover that they have a much greater appreciation for a work of literature when they examine the diverse, sometimes outlandish, things that have been said about it," Johnson said. "Hopefully, they also develop a greater appreciation for themselves as critics who are qualified to take part in the debate."
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Music students impressive
Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
April 8, 2004, Page 5
Doane’s top music students showed off their talents at a Student Honors Recital on April 1 in Heckman Auditorium.
The students involved had to audition individually to be recognized as honored musicians.
“My favorite part was getting to see the ‘best’ of the best,” freshman Nikelle Kurkowski said. “Being in music myself, it was very inspirational and made me want to work even harder to become better.”
Eight of the 12 students were freshmen and sophomores.
That number is an indication of the upcoming talent of the music program.
Nine of the performers sang. Sophomore Adam Wallingford started the program, singing “Lungi del caro” by Giuseppe Sarti.
Freshmen Anne Cornell and Jaci Despines ended the recital with the flute duet, “Sonata No. 4 in G Minor,” written by Jean-Baptiste Loeillet.
“I liked the experience I obtained by being in the program,” Cornell said.
“I’m a first year student and getting up on stage and performing that duet was a great experience,” she said. “It gave me a good perspective for what’s coming.”
Dr. David Breckbill, a music professor at Doane, was the accompanist for all the songs. The performers gave him a lot of credit, bringing him onstage at the end to thank him publicly.
A reception followed in the Great Hall, with punch provided by the Music Educators National Conference (M.E.N.C.) members.
Staff Writer
April 8, 2004, Page 5
Doane’s top music students showed off their talents at a Student Honors Recital on April 1 in Heckman Auditorium.
The students involved had to audition individually to be recognized as honored musicians.
“My favorite part was getting to see the ‘best’ of the best,” freshman Nikelle Kurkowski said. “Being in music myself, it was very inspirational and made me want to work even harder to become better.”
Eight of the 12 students were freshmen and sophomores.
That number is an indication of the upcoming talent of the music program.
Nine of the performers sang. Sophomore Adam Wallingford started the program, singing “Lungi del caro” by Giuseppe Sarti.
Freshmen Anne Cornell and Jaci Despines ended the recital with the flute duet, “Sonata No. 4 in G Minor,” written by Jean-Baptiste Loeillet.
“I liked the experience I obtained by being in the program,” Cornell said.
“I’m a first year student and getting up on stage and performing that duet was a great experience,” she said. “It gave me a good perspective for what’s coming.”
Dr. David Breckbill, a music professor at Doane, was the accompanist for all the songs. The performers gave him a lot of credit, bringing him onstage at the end to thank him publicly.
A reception followed in the Great Hall, with punch provided by the Music Educators National Conference (M.E.N.C.) members.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Review: Ferguson produces smooth sensations
Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
April 1, 2004, Page 5
Musically talented pianist Dianne Ferguson performed Monday night for the Doane student body and Crete community in Heckman Auditorium.
Ferguson opened the concert with duet partner Emmy Bou, playing “Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 18, No. 5 for One Piano, Four Hands” by Johann Christian Bach. The two pianists didn’t miss a note.
The second piece was “Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49” by Felix Mendelssohn. Ferguson was accompanied by Tracy Sands on cello and Donna Carnes on violin. The four movements of this composition ranged in tempo from fast and agitated to slow and tranquil. The constant piano melody contrasted well with the intermittent string countermelody, producing the smooth sound of the piece.
Ferguson was again accompanied by Bou in the third selection. This four-movement piece, titled “En Bateau, Cortege, Menuet, and Ballet,” was the most animated.
“My favorite selection was the third movement of ‘Petite Suite for One Piano, Four Hands’ by Claude Debussy,” freshman Monica Williams said. “The Menuet had a Renaissance feel.”
The final piece, “L’Union, Op. 48” by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, combined “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Hail Columbia” and “Yankee Doodle.”
In a rousing finale, the patriotic medley instilled a sense of nationalistic pride throughout the auditorium.
A reception in the Great Hall took place after the concert.
Other music events this week include a Student Honors Recital at 7:30 p.m. today, Swing into Spring featuring Jazz Unlimited at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and a Junior Recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, all in Heckman.
Staff Writer
April 1, 2004, Page 5
Musically talented pianist Dianne Ferguson performed Monday night for the Doane student body and Crete community in Heckman Auditorium.
Ferguson opened the concert with duet partner Emmy Bou, playing “Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 18, No. 5 for One Piano, Four Hands” by Johann Christian Bach. The two pianists didn’t miss a note.
The second piece was “Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49” by Felix Mendelssohn. Ferguson was accompanied by Tracy Sands on cello and Donna Carnes on violin. The four movements of this composition ranged in tempo from fast and agitated to slow and tranquil. The constant piano melody contrasted well with the intermittent string countermelody, producing the smooth sound of the piece.
Ferguson was again accompanied by Bou in the third selection. This four-movement piece, titled “En Bateau, Cortege, Menuet, and Ballet,” was the most animated.
“My favorite selection was the third movement of ‘Petite Suite for One Piano, Four Hands’ by Claude Debussy,” freshman Monica Williams said. “The Menuet had a Renaissance feel.”
The final piece, “L’Union, Op. 48” by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, combined “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Hail Columbia” and “Yankee Doodle.”
In a rousing finale, the patriotic medley instilled a sense of nationalistic pride throughout the auditorium.
A reception in the Great Hall took place after the concert.
Other music events this week include a Student Honors Recital at 7:30 p.m. today, Swing into Spring featuring Jazz Unlimited at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and a Junior Recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, all in Heckman.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
SWE tours Omaha area schools
Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
Feb. 26, 2006, Page 7
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE) returned Saturday after a performance tour that lasted four days and three nights.
The tour finale was the Doane Band Home Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday in Heckman. Band director Jay Gilbert said he thought the concerts went well.
“I definitely feel as though our music making improved with every concert,” Gilbert said. “I was very pleased with [the home] concert.”
The 45 band members and Gilbert left on Feb. 18 for their tour of the Omaha area.
That evening, they headed to Millard North High School and set up for a practice with the Millard North band.
Thursday morning the group returned to Millard North, packed up their things, loaded the bus and set out for their 1:30 p.m. concert at Omaha Bryan Senior High.
SWE then returned to Millard North and performed at that high school.
“I feel the best part of the trip was the performance given at the Millard North High School,” Gilbert said. “I hope [the tour] brought the band closer, but there is such a wonderful collection of people, a lot who like being individuals.”
After the Millard North concert, SWE members split up to stay with Millard North band parents.
Friday started off with a concert at Millard South at 8 a.m. After that concert, they loaded the bus and went to perform at Bellevue West High School.
They ate dinner and went to the Josyln Art Museum. Saturday morning, the group left around 10 a.m., getting back to Doane around 1 p.m.
SWE will go to New York for two weeks in May. They will perform in the New York area and also get to see some sights.
Staff Writer
Feb. 26, 2006, Page 7
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE) returned Saturday after a performance tour that lasted four days and three nights.
The tour finale was the Doane Band Home Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday in Heckman. Band director Jay Gilbert said he thought the concerts went well.
“I definitely feel as though our music making improved with every concert,” Gilbert said. “I was very pleased with [the home] concert.”
The 45 band members and Gilbert left on Feb. 18 for their tour of the Omaha area.
That evening, they headed to Millard North High School and set up for a practice with the Millard North band.
Thursday morning the group returned to Millard North, packed up their things, loaded the bus and set out for their 1:30 p.m. concert at Omaha Bryan Senior High.
SWE then returned to Millard North and performed at that high school.
“I feel the best part of the trip was the performance given at the Millard North High School,” Gilbert said. “I hope [the tour] brought the band closer, but there is such a wonderful collection of people, a lot who like being individuals.”
After the Millard North concert, SWE members split up to stay with Millard North band parents.
Friday started off with a concert at Millard South at 8 a.m. After that concert, they loaded the bus and went to perform at Bellevue West High School.
They ate dinner and went to the Josyln Art Museum. Saturday morning, the group left around 10 a.m., getting back to Doane around 1 p.m.
SWE will go to New York for two weeks in May. They will perform in the New York area and also get to see some sights.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
