History Department Response to Student Feedback
HSTY1076 - American History from Lincoln to Clinton (2007)

Unit Coordinator: Dr Stephen Robertson

This unit of study proved even more successful in 2007 than the last time I taught it, in 2005. 95% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the proposition "Overall I was satisfied with the quality of this unit of study,” for a mean score of 4.57 out of 5. 93% of students agreed or strongly agreed that “The teaching in this unit of study helped me to learn effectively," for a mean score of 4.41. Those scores reflect the outstanding work of the tutors for this unit – Ivan Coates, Nick Irving and Michael Thompson – all of whom were singled out for praise in the evaluations.

In addition, student comments reveal that those scores were based on the lecture outlines and mp3 recordings I provided, the unit web site, the organization of course, and in particular, the lecturing. Below is a sample of the comments:

• “The course was great in teaching me how to approach history in university as opposed to in high school”
• “Focus on primary sources helped me to be a historian – helped broaden my perception of what studying history is all about”
• “Great lecturer and tutor. Thoroughly enjoyed the positive, enthusiastic learning environment”
• “This is my second year at uni and this subject was the most professional, most organized experience I’ve had. The lectures were the best lectures I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t be surprised if they remained the best.”
• “Lectures were excellent; clearly mapped out and coherently communicated”
• “Really enjoyed the unit. Lectures were in-depth and informative, tutorials further developed ideas from lectures”
• “Learning materials were so convenient and helpful. I never had a professor put so much extra effort into supplementing the lectures”
• “The best of my courses so far. Don’t change anything”

Several students did ask for more time to be devoted to recent history. This year, due to a lecture lost to the ANZAC Day holiday, that period received less attention than usual. But it is also the case that the historiography of this era is expanding, with post-1945 political history in particular one of the most vibrant fields in American history. When I next teach the unit, in 2009, I plan to devote more time to that material.

A handful of students also wanted me to slow down when lecturing. I'll keep trying - and keep providing the mp3 recordings so you can listen again if you miss something.