Teaching and learning are fifty-fifty endeavors. Even when students perform well and appear to understand, teacher effectiveness is not entirely clear until the ratings come in; that is why I also like to offer anonymous, mid-semester on-line ratings to make sure that the course is meeting the needs of the students. Below are the end-of-semester evaluations available to me for courses that were not team-taught.
NC State University ratings of instructor effectiveness:
FLF 201 (Intermediate French): 4.8/5
“Laura Call's strengths are that she is passionate about the course and she cares that students really learn how to speak French. I think her only weakness was that she came in wanting for her students to speak French efficiently and well for long periods of time, but the students' knowledge of how to speak (with the exception of a few) was lacking. She showed another strength in adjusting her game plan and showing flexibility on how to teach what she needed to get the students to the next level.”
“Professor Call is an exceptional instructor. I learned an enormous amount of material in a non- overwhelming way. All of her lessons and explanations were clear and helpful, and she was extremely receptive to student questions in and out of class. Overall, Professor Call is a wonderful instructor, and NC State is lucky to have her.”
FLF 212 (Language, Culture & Technology): 5/5
“Laura Call is an extremely passionate and accommodating teacher. She made the classroom a welcoming environment and our curriculum was extremely engaging; she implemented use of technology, we had 7 guest speakers, used social media, etc.”
“LOVED the presentations towards the end of the semester. There needs to be more! This was a great way for students to see certain subject areas used in the French language and exposes the French businesses or people in the area for future jobs or contacts.”
“Ms. Call is just a joy to have! Every day she is so enthusiastic about french and science and teaching and everyone in the class adores her. She went out of her way multiple times to help me outside of class with applying (and recently being accepted to) a French engineering summer school (which I also applied to because of this class). Future Dr. Call rocks!”
Syracuse University ratings:
FREN 201 (French III):
Instructor's knowledge of content: 4.8/5
Instructor's relationship to students: 4.9/5
Penn State University ratings of overall quality of instructor and quotes from write-ins:
FR 001 (Elementary French): 6.6/7
"Friendly and very willing to help. Very encouraging."
FR 002 (Elementary French): 6.7 / 7
"I think Laura provided a comfortable learning experience and genuinely cared about providing creative and visual ways to learn the language."
FR 003 (Intermediate French): 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 6.4, 6.5, 6.5, 6.6 / 7
"Laura was very prepared, organized, on-task and knowledgeable. She was also extremely approachable and willing to help students. She went above and beyond by keeping us focused and on task. Also used Angel [PSU's on-line course management system] very effectively."
"I love Laura; she is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She is relatable, helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Because of this class and her I have decided to pursue a minor in French. Great semester!!!"
FR 202 (Grammar and Composition): 5.4 / 7
"The instructor is great! She pays strict attention to the understanding of the students and will slow down and readjust when needed."
FR 352 (Literature: 1789 to present): NA, internship
"Though I did not have as much immediate interaction with Laura Call, I can attest that she was very involved in the course and worked with the professor to prepare study guides for lessons as well as other material like quizzes. She was an effective instructor the few times that she taught."
FLF 201 (Intermediate French): 4.8/5
“Laura Call's strengths are that she is passionate about the course and she cares that students really learn how to speak French. I think her only weakness was that she came in wanting for her students to speak French efficiently and well for long periods of time, but the students' knowledge of how to speak (with the exception of a few) was lacking. She showed another strength in adjusting her game plan and showing flexibility on how to teach what she needed to get the students to the next level.”
“Professor Call is an exceptional instructor. I learned an enormous amount of material in a non- overwhelming way. All of her lessons and explanations were clear and helpful, and she was extremely receptive to student questions in and out of class. Overall, Professor Call is a wonderful instructor, and NC State is lucky to have her.”
FLF 212 (Language, Culture & Technology): 5/5
“Laura Call is an extremely passionate and accommodating teacher. She made the classroom a welcoming environment and our curriculum was extremely engaging; she implemented use of technology, we had 7 guest speakers, used social media, etc.”
“LOVED the presentations towards the end of the semester. There needs to be more! This was a great way for students to see certain subject areas used in the French language and exposes the French businesses or people in the area for future jobs or contacts.”
“Ms. Call is just a joy to have! Every day she is so enthusiastic about french and science and teaching and everyone in the class adores her. She went out of her way multiple times to help me outside of class with applying (and recently being accepted to) a French engineering summer school (which I also applied to because of this class). Future Dr. Call rocks!”
Syracuse University ratings:
FREN 201 (French III):
Instructor's knowledge of content: 4.8/5
Instructor's relationship to students: 4.9/5
Penn State University ratings of overall quality of instructor and quotes from write-ins:
FR 001 (Elementary French): 6.6/7
"Friendly and very willing to help. Very encouraging."
FR 002 (Elementary French): 6.7 / 7
"I think Laura provided a comfortable learning experience and genuinely cared about providing creative and visual ways to learn the language."
FR 003 (Intermediate French): 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 6.4, 6.5, 6.5, 6.6 / 7
"Laura was very prepared, organized, on-task and knowledgeable. She was also extremely approachable and willing to help students. She went above and beyond by keeping us focused and on task. Also used Angel [PSU's on-line course management system] very effectively."
"I love Laura; she is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She is relatable, helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Because of this class and her I have decided to pursue a minor in French. Great semester!!!"
FR 202 (Grammar and Composition): 5.4 / 7
"The instructor is great! She pays strict attention to the understanding of the students and will slow down and readjust when needed."
FR 352 (Literature: 1789 to present): NA, internship
"Though I did not have as much immediate interaction with Laura Call, I can attest that she was very involved in the course and worked with the professor to prepare study guides for lessons as well as other material like quizzes. She was an effective instructor the few times that she taught."