Like writing, a sound teaching practice constantly undergoes revision. To assist in consistent re-visioning of my classes and my teaching, I request and implement student feedback in the middle and end of each semester through independently administered mid-semester assessment surveys and end of semester student evaluations and verbal/written reflections. This page contains some qualitative (written student mid- and end-of-semester feedback) and quantitative (student evaluations of teaching scores) representations of the quality of my teaching. My top strength as a teacher is faculty/student interaction, as evidenced by my SET scores and consistent positive student feedback regarding faculty/student interaction (see below) as well as in faculty observation feedback.
Cumulative student evaluation of teaching scores, F17-W21
For the student evaluations shown below, the highest score is 5. The courses I have taught are general education requirements for beginning or intermediate composition, meaning the courses are not in the students’ major field of study (the vast majority being non-English majors) and that it is more difficult to attain the highest scores. Further, the ENG 3050 courses I taught have all been online. Even with some students feeling forced to take these courses, I consistently have averaged top ratings as an instructor.
Organization/clarity: 4/5 median
Instructor enthusiasm: 5/5 median
Group interaction: 5/5 median
Individual rapport: 5/5 median
Breadth of coverage: 5/5 median
Examination/grading: 5/5 median
Assignments/readings: 5/5 median
These numbers are current as of the pull from the Wayne State Student Evaluation of Teaching database on 2 January 2020. The highest score possible is 5 on a 1-5 scale.
Course-specific student evaluations of teaching and mid- and end-of-semester feedback
English literature after 1700 [ENG 3120] – F20
Faculty-Student Interaction
My professor is genuinely so kind and caring. She really puts effort into this class and it shows
She’s very understanding.
I absolutely love how fast Kelley is to respond. If I ever have a question, she answers me within 2 hours every single time.
I like that the instructor is very passionate and extremely knowledgeable about the subject. I also appreciate that she makes herself available to the students and that she answers emails quickly.
I really enjoy my instructor for this course. She has been more than willing to help me in my times of confusion and has a genuine interest in our growth when reading ad writing about literature.
I really enjoy the course material and the interest the instructor puts into teaching the material.
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, F20
This is a class I was actually quite comfortable being active in
Kelly is one of my favorite (if not my favorite) instructors I’ve had this term. She is helpful and encouraging and provides the extra pushes needed for us to get more out of the material than we otherwise would have. Plus she has been incredibly understanding…
I think the teaching of this course was amazing, probably one of more favorite methods, she did great especially for virtual teaching. If there was a question she was always available, but that was slim to none because she was always prepared with videos and a great deal of explanation that questions would probably already be answered. I personally love the use of Teams in the course and having a small group. All in all Professor Plante is definitely in the right field and great at her job!
Thank you, Kelly! I loved this class and your teaching of it. 🙂
I’ve never felt like a professor cared more about her subject, she’s absolutely amazing.
If I can take another class with you I would absolutely love to.
student evaluations of teaching, F20
Breadth of Coverage/Readings
The introduction of interesting novels, writings and authors as well as the in depth lectures recorded to accompany them.
The book selection is nice.
I enjoy the opportunity to read things I wouldn’t normally read.
I really enjoy her streams videos and how it helps me to better understand the course material.
I really enjoy how this course forces me to really read between the lines with the readings we are looking at. I now have a better understanding of the messages authors are trying to convey.
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, F20
I like how a variety of assignments such as timelines, recordings, and a class google doc were used as methods of activities. This helped me stay engaged in the material. I prefer this method over the essay/discussion board only method that many other professors use.
Everything had its place and worked to paint an intricate portrait of the evolution of English literature from 1700 onward.
I really enjoyed this class. Thank you for really giving us a lot of different time periods and readings. I like exploring a bunch of different ideas, authors, and stories and I am glad we were able to do that.
This course was interesting in its own right, but my instructor made it even more interesting and engaging. I appreciate her kindness and understanding throughout, as well as her true care for her students. 🙂
student evaluations of teaching, F20
Organization/Clarity
The structured modules and clear indications of when things are due.
I have no suggestions so far, even with this virtual platform it has been smooth sailing!
I can’t really think of any suggestions at the moment. All of the activities that we do in class I find to be very helpful in understanding the readings we do.
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, F20
I like how everything was clearly organized in modules, and the expectations and timelines for each module were clearly laid out; this helped me to pace myself and stay on top of things
student evaluations of teaching, F20
Examinations/Grading
All of the comments on our work, as well as the announcements and conversations helped to make this class as engaging and helpful as it was.
Again, I am grateful for each comment made on my work this semester; they have helped me to see what I am doing well and strive towards that instead of focusing only on the negatives.
student evaluations of teaching, F20
Workload/Difficulty
I felt like the pace was really nice! Some weeks were a little crazy, but that was also meet adjusting with all my other classes. Overall, I really enjoyed the way it was set up.
At the beginning of the semester I panicked a little upon seeing several assignments and to–dos per week, but I quickly realized they are all connected and short. Doing one doesn’t take long and it helps to do the others.
student evaluations of teaching, F20
Technical Communication 1: Reports [ENG 3050] – F18, W19, W/F20
Organization/Clarity
Absolutely the most organized class ever.
The professor was one of the best professor in my life, she was very helpful and organized.
The format was amazing
This class format MUST be implemented widely in the university. It’s so clear and comprehensive and isn’t focused on crushing us. Professor Plante needs a raise.
student evaluation of teaching, F20
Examination/Grading
I like that we get points in everything.
I enjoy that I don’t have to be the best or most creative writer and still can do well in the class.
Provides extremely helpful advice in the comments.
I like how clearly you give instructions and feedback fast so it is easy for me to catch up or figure something out that I do not know.
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, W20
Assignments/Readings
The one thing I like most about this class is that most assignments include graphics which makes it less boring.
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, W20
Workload/Difficulty
What I like most is that there is enough time to complete assignments and due dates are ordered in steps (draft then final).
The workload is pretty much consistent from week to week.
I like how clearly you give instructions and feedback fast so it is easy for me to catch up or figure something out that I do not know.
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, W20
Technical Communication 2: Presentations [ENG 3060] – S19, S20
“She’s the best!”
“Very nice lady!! Super patient and guided us through class without being rude … impressive.”
“Enjoyed the class and learned a lot.”
“The teacher is a very good and respectful person and her quality in teaching is perfect.”
“Kelly was a joy to have as a professor, she taught very well. I would recommend Kelly as a professor to anyone.”
– student responses to the prompt “Overall comments on the course, your learning, and the instructor’s teaching,” student evaluations of teaching, S19
Introduction to College Writing [ENG 1020] – F17, W18
Class time for work is appreciated
We have lots of work time in class
Instructor is fair and helps students
She doesn’t lecture very much which is nice
Spends her own time helping us
She is willing to help us, even after we submitted the project
The consultations she offers
We like the fact that she meets with us separately to review projects
Interactive activities
Blogs & project builders are helpful
The fact that we get lots of extra credit is good.
She reviews our papers and makes changes before they’re due, we have 1 on 1 meetings that are really helpful
Her paper reviews [are what the student likes most about this course and/or the instructor’s teaching of it]
Allows us to pick what we write about and what sources we use (popular vs. scholarly)
We can edit our final papers to get a better grade
Nice pace of the course work
The instructor allows us to go at our own pace
Detailed project description
– mid-semester teaching assessment survey, F17 (first class taught at Wayne State University)