Once he has received the evaluations, Markell studies them, not individually, but to find patterns within the group. Then, at the next class meeting, he will relate to the class the patterns he found, and what he proposes to do about those patterns. Asking for feedback on his proposals is the final step in evaluating the individual sessions. The comments usually pertain to specific items, regarding the text or certain assignments. Along with his role as a teacher, Markell can also be seen as a mentor, supervising undergraduate student-teachers.
Students often say, 'Now it makes sense'.
The system, which Markell used briefly at the University of Minnesota as a graduate student, requires laptop-style computers at each desk. Students can respond directly to the professor's teachings by typing on the computer. Their feedback is then sent to the professor's terminal, and projected onto a screen. Markell notes it will be a couple of years before the system could be implemented. For Markell, the idea of evaluations is not a tiresome duty, but a welcome form of feedback.