Student comments from EPID600 Fall 2007

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“I appreciate the thoroughness of the instructions given for all assignments and lectures and can see how that cuts down on questions asked or need for clarifications; however sometimes the material is "crowded" and difficult to read. Lecture slides are very conscise and well formatted, however.”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/19)
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“Tough class, but interesting!!!”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/22)
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“Maybe when we do the review slides in the beginning of lab, to go a little slower, just so we can copy things down and absorb them - I felt like this week's was a little rushed. But Anjum is very good! :)”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/19)
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“Originally I was not looking forward to these group meetings due to negative experiences in past group based work. However, my group is outstanding! Everyone is prepared, actively involved, friendly, and efficient. Those who have missed meetings have notified us a week in advance and still submitted their answers to the case study to other members via email. Even though they may not have physically been present during the meeting, their input was still available. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, if someone has a question there is always a member who helps explain how and why the group has arrived at a particular answer.”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/24)
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“Anjum does a great job recapping all the information Vic goes over and is really helpful in pulling us into a quick discussion, and in acting as a sounding board as we figure stuff out on our own. She's great. Thanks!!!”
Stephen, MPH student, PUBH, TA: Anjum (1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/19)
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“I really enjoy this class and the group discussions are so useful.”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/27)
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“My group is excellent. Everyone participates and does their homework prior to class. The group setting has been a great device for learning.”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/18)
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“My group is great!”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/21)
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“I feel very comfortable with going to Pam with questions. She makes herself very available to us as a group and individually. She also does a good job of summarizing concepts at the beginning of recitation section. Great job overall!”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/20)
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“I find that having the powerpoint slides--both class and lab--available on the internet very helpful. It's nice when we are away from class to have that information available to us.”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/24)
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“I am really enjoying the course thus far. Professor Schoenbach keeps lectures engaging and uses examples that are applicable to everyday life.”
(1st peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/09/22)
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“I think our group has done a great job so far with the discussion. I think it takes some time getting used to this time of learning and communicating, but our TA and group have really worked hard!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/24)
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“You guys are great! I'm really enjoying this class so far!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/19)
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“Hi Emily, I must admit that I really only have a very general feeling of everybody. I think it is too short of a time for me to get more than that. Everyone in my group has participated in each question in each module. I feel like I am still trying to really understand the material so it is hard for me to judge how well someone else knows it. This is my first internet class, and I must tell you, I am really pleased with how personal it is. I really have learned from what others have said, or how they answered the questions. The accessibility of you and Vic is also a pleasant surprise. Even though I am still trying to balance the time, and I find the class very challenging, I am enjoy it, and learning a lot. Thanks, Jeanne”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/16)
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“Emily is doing an outstanding job of keeping our group in the loop. Her communication has been extremely helpful so far this semester. Vic is also very informative and has set-up a wonderful website that is completely separate from the dreaded Blackboard (a system that can sometimes be "down" for hours!). My only negative opinion about this course is that it feels like it goes by WAY too quickly! I feel as though I do not have enough time to really absorb everything before I start on the next module, and I feel like this is really preventing me from fully understanding everything. Now, mind you, I have been busy in my personal life so far this semester (captain of the soccer team, I moved into a new office building, and I just moved into my new house), so I believe that has a lot to do with it as well. But, still, it would be nice to go at a slower pace, just to make sure I understand everything. Thanks for everything so far! Fortunately, my life slows down after this weekend, so I will have to reread everything. :)”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/19)
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“The way the case study individual submittals are set up, one only has a few hours after work on Friday evening to read the case study paper and solve the starred questions. The earlier part of the work week is used by students to go through the lecture materials and to read the book chapter. It would be better to extend the individual submittal deadline to sometime Saturday morning so that the student can either (1) stay up all night and finish answering the questions, or (2) read the case study the night before and get up early next morning to finish answering the questions. The jokes and observations in the PowerPoint slides are great. Keep 'em coming. Thanks.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/18)
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“Emily has been great to gide us in the right direction and give us pointers.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/22)
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“So far, this class has been a challenge on many levels. The material is very interesting and sometimes I find it frustrating that just as I think we are getting to a place of understanding, we are moving on to something else. I do understand that this is a survey course and so it probably has to be that way, but the pace does not allow for any deeper examination of key issues. As always, the online discussions are somewhat difficult, given the complexity and amount of questions posed for each discussion. It may be better to consider fewer questions per module, to allow us the time to really examine the material and delve deeper into answering and understanding the questions posed. All in all, I have found it challenging but enjoyable and very interesting. On a side note - I found it difficult to judge and scale my fellow group members participation this early in the class. I hope I did it fairly. Thanks”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/22)
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“This is my second online class ever, and I think it is very well set up. There was no discussion between the class members in my last class, and it was hard to tell what was going on. I feel in the know and excited about this class. I also feel everyone does their best to make sure they are a good and helpful member of the group. I feel like I'm almost an epid 600 groupie, I check my group site at least every night to see what my group members are saying. It's a lot of fun to me.”
Erika, MS student, BIOS, TA: Emily (1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/16)
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“The online program is amazing. I was concerned about consensus work but it really works out well. The knowledge of the group and contributions everyone makes really works well. Professionals that need to get a thorough set of skills in Epidemiological research under their belts should look at this program.”
Monica, CERT student, FEPI, TA: Emily (1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/20)
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“The course is great so far. I am learning a lot. Thanks!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/17)
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“Kelly is working hard to keep us on track”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/20)
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“Depending how questions are divided up among group members this evaluation is biased towards contributions made on blackboard. While blackboard is the primary medium for group discussions, it is possible for individuals to have collaborated with others in the group over the phone or in private e-mails (especially if they are traveling). Such collaborations would not be known by the rest of the group.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/18)
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“It is much easier to evaluate the students who are always in the same group of questions as myself, as there is more dialogue between us.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/18)
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“So far, so good. This is my second course online through the Core Concepts program and I am definitely learning how to adapt to an online forum class. EPI600 is definitely more thought provoking than other courses, but I am enjoying the case study analysis approach to this course.”
Harold, CERT student, PHCP, TA: Sarah (1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/20)
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“Great class ... case studies make us really learn the materials! And makes my head hurt :)”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/24)
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“To be completely honest, I think the work load in this class is obscene. I initially bypassed this class somehow and wound up taking the following 3 Epidemiology courses over the past year and a half. Going back to this class, which is clearly a survey course, is actually more difficult because I had to learn preliminary material on my own in order to complete those other courses. Modules every week are very difficult, especially with another class. The sheer amount of reading alone makes this difficult. It is obvious to me this class is used to weed people out. I have done very well in all other classes and I am very afraid that this course is going to bring everything I have done so far down.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/16)
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“It is enjoyable to participate in this course, but sometimes I am really confused with some facts, because it is my first time with epidemiology, and occasionally I do not understand all the concepts used. I am improving.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/20)
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“Overall I feel that everyone does well in the discussion forums. I think that it can be a little difficult to evaluate others based on their answers because the first person to answer the question is most likely to get the higher grade. I usually get online on Sunday night or Monday mornings due to my work schedule, by this time the first person as answered and if you agree or had the exact same calculations and answers there is not much more to say other than "i agree". I mean you could just retype the calculation, but that does not really add to the discussion.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/18)
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“Susan has been great for answering all questions, and she has tact. She does a good job of guiding the group when we are not on track. I think Vic should give her a raise.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/18)
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“Great information. Learning more than I ever thought! One suggestion I would make is to have a preprinted course pack to purchase with all of the materials in it that are not in the text. I spend a lot of time looking for material, printing, organizing, etc the loose internet material that could be spent on studying. I hope I didn't miss it if it's available, but all the bookstore sent was the text.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/18)
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“Undoubtedly, a superior format for learning from the highest caliber professor I have experienced. This course is first humbling and always challenging.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/19)
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“Each week so far I have lead my individual group and they have always been late with answering questions and so I have been forced to submit my own answers without group consensus on Monday nights which has been a bit frustrating but has forced me never the less to really sort the questions out by myself.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/09/17)
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“EPID 600 is one of the most useful classes that Ive had at UNC. It gives a good basis for thinking about scientific studies as well as how to read scientific articles.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/07)
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“Enjoyed the course. Thank you for an enjoyable semester and worthwhile class.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/03)
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“I believe that better case studies could be found for the various topics.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/05)
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“Many of the questions asked in the labs can stimulate a lot of discussion, usually due to their ambiguity. I think it was good to talk about these questions at length, but my group and I always felt pressed for time and ultimately had to rush through the last questions.”
Mike, PHD student, NUTR, TA: Chris (2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/06)
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“Chris was always very helpful, and the powerpoint presentations he provided us with were very useful in further understanding the material. He was especially helpful when he met with me the week that I was a facilitator, helping me make sure that I understood all the concepts well. He was a great TA overall.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/10)
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“EPID600 is a great class that really gives you a great set of skills to deal with a variety of public health issues.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/04)
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“This group always worked very well together, respected each other answers, and learned from each other.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/11/30)
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“Great enthusiasm for teaching and followed every rule.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/06)
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“My group was good! We generally worked well together.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/04)
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“I enjoyed the format of the course”
(2nd peer evaluation, Classroom course, 2007/12/02)
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“Thank you for your efforts to help us better understand epidemiology. The case studies were excellent sources to help us learn the concepts.”
Kathryn, CERT student, PHCP, TA: Bradley (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/03)
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“Despite the challenges of the study subject, this has been the best class I have taken of the core certificate program classes. The use of case study as a way of teaching the subject matter has been most effective. If not anything, at least I can walk away knowing that I am not intimidated by peer reviewed journals anymore! Arigato, Si'yabonga(Zulu, SA/Zim), Ame'segenalehu(Amharic-Eth) ,Asante Sana (Kiswahili) and Sala Kahle”
Bemnet, CERT student, PHCP, TA: Bradley (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/03)
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“This was the toughest class I have taken so far. That is a good thing because it challenged me to think, a lot. The TA was supportive, helpful, and available to help which was great. This class requires a large amount of time and focus, but it is well worth it.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/09)
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“This class, EPID 600, was an eye opening experience for me. I have a new found respect for data collection and analysis!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/11)
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“I enjoyed working with each and every person in group 4.”
Jeanne, CERT student, FEPI, TA: Emily (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/04)
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“I would strongly recommend that you re-examine the expected workload. I found it very difficult to absorb and truly learn the material as we were on a crazy pace to complete the case studies. As much as I looked forward to this course I am disappointed in the return on investment.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/11/29)
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“The course was very interesting and fun. The math was overwhelming but the course readings were informative and will help me in my career.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/03)
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“I only wish I had more time to devote to the study of Epidemiology. The material was spot-on and the case studies interesting. The exams were challenging and stimulating and I learned as much from the 'Exam' experience as the course materials. If I had it to do over again I would reduce some of my other commitments to have time to more fully participate in the group discussions. I will be using the material learned in the class for years to come.”
Robert, CERT student, PHCP, TA: Emily (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/07)
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“I was very intimidated at the beginning of the course. EPID600 is my first class in 10 years! Luckily, Dr. S and Emily were very encouraging and responsive to any questions. The course covers A LOT of material, but I think the case studies and group work (which I am generally not a fan of)helped make sense of many of the concepts. The feedback on the exams was excellent - never have I had such a detailed response to my work.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/11/30)
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“Our TA, Emily, was terrific throughout the course from beginning to end. Always willing to help us understand difficult concepts and questions, but in a way that allowed us to figure it out on our own. She was great!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/09)
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“Make no mistakes about it, this is a hard course! In particular the case study questions and exams, are structured to truly make you apply what you "think you know." There were many times, I thought I understood something after reading it but quickly realized when attempting the case study questions that I needed to re-read the material or seek supplemental help. That said, Dr. Vic, you provided ample examples and tools to help us understand it. My TA was awesome and very approachable and very responsive. Plus, my group was very supportive and members sought to make sure that we understood the concepts and their application. Even when I went out on a limb to answer a question (knew I wasn't doing it correctly), my group mates encouraged me and prompted/pointed me until I figured it out. Although the material is challenging, the resources and support system serve to enhance the learning experience. I've been out of school for almost a decade and was apprehensive but soon realized that we are set up to succeed in this course. Thanks!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/11)
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“This was a great class - wish i could have taken it in person! Kelly is a great TA and very helpful... i think i was blessed with the discussion group i was in - they were all superstars!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/04)
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“Kelly is a super TA. She was always helpful and assisted the forum discussions appropriately. She responded to questions and email quickly. I feel her assistance was invaluable to my learning.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/09)
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“The has been the most through provoking class of my lifetime educational experience. I would strongly urge students to take the BIOStats course prior to this one, just to have a background in understanding the statistics references present in study material. However, it was never necessary in the course to have this background, another appreciated factor.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/07)
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“It will be helpful to maintain a current list of the group in Blackboard. Please make sure that all the slides all well-recorded.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/08)
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“Great class. Challenging for my first internet class, but I learned a lot.”
Chris, CERT student, PHCP, TA: Susan (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/07)
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“This was an excellent class, and I really enjoyed the group work on the case studies. The readings were interesting, and the questions were relevant to the topics covered in the textbook and lectures. The case study work helped me to better understand the concepts and how they are applied in actual practice.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/04)
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“In general, rating "participation on group discussion forums" by using "missed __ or more discussion forms ..." was difficult when students dropping out of the class/forum was not something shared with the other members of the group, i.e. somewhere along in the semester, a student's name would just disappear off the list -- if one noticed -- but it was difficult to know if they were a non-participant due to leaving the course or just missing the forum.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/09)
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“This was a great class... my first internet one. You guys not only brought out the material but made it come alive. A special thanks to Susan. She's sharp, has a good heart and even though I couldn't read it, I think I heard her laugh a few times.”
Roger, CERT student, FEPI, TA: Susan (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/05)
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“Susan is the absolute best! If every teaching assistant were as responsive and as positive as she is, we would all be incredibly successful. Susan has the ability to point you in the right direction while still requiring you to think for yourself.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/11/30)
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“Susan was an excellent TA. She always responded to e-mails very promptly. Her comments and suggestions were very helpful and led our group in the right direction without giving too much assistance. I think she did an outstanding job throughout the semester.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2007/12/07)
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“Course is confusing in the following ways, the original syllabus was confusing in layout, the submission dates for tests and answer sets weren't explained fully in the beginning, and one point- attendance? Kind of a bummer that people are paying money for a graduate degree and not taking in the class, plus the prevalence of people using facebook or emailing during lecture is distracting.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/4/2007 12:52:00 AM)
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“I liked doing the case studies for the most part. Sitting in lecture isn't fun for me. I like being able to apply material that we learn in lecture into something practical. I feel like some of the case studies were bad. In fact I wonder how some of them got funded in the first place. I feel like some of them showed that if you look hard enough for something then there is a potential for any and everything to make you sick. I look forward to taking more EPID classes. Overall my experience was intellectually stimulating and challenging.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/5/2007 7:18:00 AM)
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“The lectures were paced far to slow. The case studies involved more busy work than problem solving .”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/5/2007 9:23:00 PM)
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“The case study & group work is a nice way to learn the material.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/6/2007 2:08:00 AM)
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“Thank you!”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/6/2007 5:29:00 PM)
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“great job!”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/7/2007 12:51:00 PM)
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“The exam hints were often unhelpful.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/7/2007 3:38:00 PM)
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“This is a great course that helped me learn how to read scientific journal articles.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/7/2007 4:29:00 PM)
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“Interesting course.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/9/2007 11:00:00 PM)
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“My favorite class was the outbreak investigation one, with the guest speaker.....the subject matter was fascinating.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/10/2007 4:39:00 AM)
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“Thought the case studies were great ways to really understand the material!!!”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/10/2007 9:57:00 PM)
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“lectures were very helpful and brief and it was good. Thanks!”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/1/2007 7:37:00 PM)
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“Case studies were very helpful.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/2/2007 4:21:00 PM)
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“It may help to have the lab section that the TA's teach go over what was just talked about in lecture rather than waiting a week- this may help keep larger ideas clear.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/5/2007 4:29:00 AM)
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“By the end of the semester I was very tired of completing case studies! They were good preparation for the exams, but a little more variety in lab would have been appreciated.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/6/2007 12:31:00 AM)
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“I thought the course was pretty great. I found most of the case studies incredibly interesting. My only critique would be to make the lab that addresses exam 3 earlier in the semester. It would have made it a lot easier to get a solid headstart on it.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/6/2007 1:46:00 AM)
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“Case studies were very involved but I learned a lot.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 11/29/2007 11:53:00 PM)
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“I enjoyed the format of the course lectures and case studies. This was the first time in college that I had weekly group work, and it was definitely a great experience. Our group dynamic was wonderful!”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/3/2007 12:14:00 AM)
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“The course material was generally interesting. I was often frustrated by the tests--the amount of time that they took and the idea that any reason, no matter how inane, warranted an extension. It made it difficult to force myself to find the time to work the exam. I also did not like the times scheduled for the case study modules--I thought it was too late in the evening (I often missed the last bus). However, the material covered in them and what I learned in doing them was very useful and I learned a lot from doing them as well as from other members of my group.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/3/2007 8:34:00 PM)
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“lectures need to be simplified. excess information confuses.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/5/2007 12:22:00 AM)
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“Lectures were concise and contained the most relevant information that would assist us on a particular case study.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/5/2007 1:56:00 AM)
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“The lab should be worth more. I put more work into the lab as a whole than any other assignment in the class.”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/6/2007 10:41:00 PM)
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“Case studies were long, but informative and good preparation for exam material”
(taeval2, Classroom course, 12/11/2007 7:18:00 PM)

(An additional 19 comments were received but the students did not authorize their dissemination.)

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2007cd, compiled 12/18/2007