Following is the comments section of the student evaluation provided as part of my official review process at Langara College in Fall 1997. The evaluation was conducted on 7 November, two months into the one-term course, and after the first assignment had been marked and returned to the students. Although the course is listed as second-year course, it is in fact introductory-level, with no prerequisite. The comments are reproduced complete and unedited, with one exception, noted in the text. Sic passim. For a peer evaluation of the same course, link to Teaching Evaluations.
Yes, better informed about governmental structure and policies in the Third World which in turn stimulate my interest to a greater degree.
I am very pleased with what I have learned in this class. I am a business student and I need to hear both sides of the argument fairly and impartially. I believe the instructor in this course did a good job and I believe that I have a better grasp of many issues now.
I'm more informed about the Third World and the politics and political leaders in those states.
Yes, I am better informed about the Third World. I wouldn't consider myself any kind of expert but my knowledge has increased.
Yes, I am more interested and better informed about the subject now. I know more diplomatically and culturally about societies not really in my focal point. It makes for an interesting view on Canadian vs. foreign policies.
Yes, being more informed of the case studies creates even more interest.
Yes, thanks to Adam's personal experiences in the Third World, I, in turn, have benefitted. I now have a less stereotypical view of the Third World.
Yes, I now understand Third World politics and by understanding this I understand many aspects of countries in Third World.
Yes, I have a better understanding of the ways in which the "Third World" was created and the processes of change and political government formed.
Yes, I am. I have learned a lot more about the situation in which Third World countries find themselves at present time.
Yes. Adam continually draws connections between the general theories and particular issues. The audio-visual presentations are both interesting and informative. Adam brings his Third World experiences into the discussion as well as encouraging others to do the same.
Yes, students have been provided with an extensive range of materials, although a bit overwhelming at times.
Yes, Adam introduced new and interesting facts and concepts which he was obviously interested in which made me interested.
Yes, because the instructor has made it interesting with examples, videos, and his own experiences. This allowed me to learn more about the places and its contents.
Yes, I have expanded my knowledge of the third World outside of Latin America.
Yes, before I really did not know anything about the subject.
I'm definitely better informed (there is not much about the Third World in The [Vancouver] Sun), and have heard the interesting perspective of a person that has visited and researched these countries.
Yes, because of the teacher's own experience, can understand better on the cause of the problems. However, he often suggests other materials for us to study better.
Yes, more informed regarding Third World politics and their relationship in global view.
Yes, this course has provided a view on politics that is not available from main stream media. It is a thought provoking course.
Yes, before the course, I was aware of the basic themes, but I have been given a lot more information. His lectures are very neat rather than theoretical.
Yes, before I knew things about the Third World but through biased media, now, have fact.
The instructor has incredible knowledge about the subject and demonstrates this through the seminars. The subject has better informed me about the Third World countries.
Yes, I am now more aware of problems going on in the Third World. When I read the paper I can often more easily understand current issues. Ultimately, I have taken a greater interest in the lives of people in the Third World.
Yes, the idea of using video's is very useful to the course.
Yes, I feel I have gained valuable insight into the political area of the Majority World.
Yes, always was interested. But better informed specially about the case studies, Third World terminology.
If gender and politics must be taught in this course, then there should also be some concentration on the positive and unifying side of female/male separation in addition to the victimization and oppression views of men and women. This section emphasises the separation too much. Should offer some light on how to combat the situation.
This is a very good and useful course. There is, however, a lot to cover. Because of this, I would suggest that the instructor put together a list of essay topics to "pick from" so students do not have to be overwhelmed with a wide variety of subjects to choose.
Could have talked about First World-Third World conflict, ex. Greece and Turkey and their tensions.
Fewer videos.
Since this is Political Science, a political map would help. (Note: Two purchased at my request for 1998!)
Discussion groups or seminars would be great but I suppose that is up to the students?
Maybe we could have more group discussion.
Possibly encourage more student interaction (however, not a criticism of Adam).
Reword the class outline. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew; not out of cruelty but simply the inevitable offspring of his passion for the material and topic.
Less lecture, more discussion.
The instructor must talk a little bit slower so that students could write the notes.
Study cases and materials should apply more to Third World countries outside of Latin America.
I'm not informed enough to make intelligent suggestions for improvement but I think Adam is a very enthusiastic instructor, and is doing a great job.
Put the class time later (after 10:30?).
More open class discussion - possibly one day per week devoted to classroom discussion.
There is a lot of material to squeeze into one term. Perhaps it could be broken into two parts (two terms).
I don't want to discourage him from addressing "women's issues" but I would like him to be more aware and more aware of how little he, as a man, understands the issues.
Not really.
Perhaps up-to-date text book. (Note: Changed for 1998.)
The only thing is that it is so broad in its spectrum. Although interesting information is often overwhelming (names, dates, etc.).
Should have only a few case studies per semester and not additional readings and videos.
(Note: Summary wording is that of the peer evaluators.)
Sure.
23 students said "Yes."
This questionnaire was fine.
?
Yes, pretty much. He's good. I feel sometimes that his discussions are less than objective due to a personal idea but he does feel out the situation or issue in class to get other opinions.
I really had no concerns with this instructor, others I might question.
Adam is extremely organized and friendly and very audible.
Our prof uses his experience of having travelled in the Third World to augment our classes. It is much appreciated.
Awesome teacher. Easy to get along with.
This course has been a very positive experience.
He's [a] very good instructor - very responsible, well-prepared and pay special attention to the students in need.
I really recommend him to someone else. He is an excellent professor.
I am glad to see someone be so well prepared in teaching.
[One response cut: a personal criticism by one student of another.]
Adam is an inspiring young scholar.
Absolutely recommend Adam as instructor, having had him for PACS [Peace and Conflict Studies] and now PS 250.
Adam Jones is an incredible well organized instructor. I have learned so much from him through this class. He is very knowledgeable of this subject.
adamj_jones@hotmail.com