Evaluating your childbirth classes is an essential part of being a childbirth educator or birth worker. Good evaluations show you how effective your teaching methods are and what impact your classes have on expectant parents. By asking for feedback and analysing the results, you can see what is working well and where you could improve.
How can I evaluate my childbirth classes?
One effective way is to use surveys or questionnaires. You can hand these out during or after your classes so participants can give feedback on the content, your teaching style and the overall organisation. Encourage people to be honest and detailed, as this will give you more meaningful insights.
You can share your questionnaires online (for example with Google Forms or Microsoft Forms) or on paper. Different clients prefer different formats, so I recommend offering both.
Here is a Word template you can download and adapt:
As well as surveys, consider including informal discussions or group feedback sessions in your classes. These let participants share their thoughts, concerns and suggestions in a supportive setting, and can give you valuable feedback that a survey might miss.
Self-reflection and your reflective journal
Evaluating your teaching goes beyond feedback from participants. Self-reflection and keeping a reflective journal can add a great deal. By regularly noting down your experiences, thoughts and observations, you build a valuable resource for analysis and personal growth.
In your journal, you can record the content you covered, the teaching techniques you used and the overall learning environment. Noting the activities you ran and how they went shows you what worked well and what could be improved.
Reflecting on your interactions with participants is valuable too. Think about the questions people asked, how involved they were and how receptive they were to the material. Consider how well you explained complex ideas and created a supportive atmosphere, so you can refine your approach.
Your journal can also support your professional development. Take time to think about your motivations, strengths and areas for growth as an educator. Reflecting on your own emotions, biases and beliefs can help you better understand and empathise with the different needs and backgrounds of your participants.
The key to effective self-reflection is honesty and openness to growth.
Evaluations aren’t only about finding areas to improve. They also show you which parts of your classes are well received and highly effective. By recognising and building on your strengths, you can make the learning experience even better for expectant parents.
In summary, evaluating your childbirth classes is a crucial part of continuous improvement. By seeking feedback, analysing the results and making changes where needed, you can make sure your classes educate and empower expectant parents to approach birth with confidence and knowledge. Clear aims and learning outcomes make evaluation much easier, too.