Highlights from Teaching Evaluations

Below are some snapshots of student feedback based on my Course and Professor Evaluations (CAPEs) at UC San Diego. You can learn more about the online CAPE process ​​here. 
Introduction to Sociology
Recommend the Class: 100%
Recommend the Instructor: 100%
Comments:
  • She teaches with an enthusiastic and unique approach, which I think derives from a younger perspective.
  • Amazing instructor! She made the class extremely interesting and seemed very passionate about teaching the course.
  • Great instructor. Great demeanor, and engages everyone
  • It is not like any other class I have taken before. It is, by far, the best class I've taken.
  • The class was an imperative introductory course to prepare one to further their education in sociology
  • Very interesting class. Really held my attention, for 3 hours!
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The Study of Society
Recommend the Class: 89%
Recommend the Instructor: 88%
Comments:
  • Clear and engaging lecturer, approachable, encourages class discussion
  • Erica is a teacher who cares about what she is teaching… She expects a level of commitment to the class, which will be required in order to do well in the class. If you participate in the class, you'll see that she's a very good teacher.
  • Professor Bender is one of the greatest professors I've had so far. She is relatable, enthusiastic, and generally concerned for the learning of her students. She always starts class with a discussion, promoting talking to peers for help and stimulation. She presents the material extremely effectively so you'll remember it much further than just her class.
  • I like the way she structures the curriculum of the class. I think she designs the course in a way that gets students engaged and allows them to reach their maximum learning potential.
  • She did a great job with discussion and thought provoking activities in class.
  • The content and design is very intriguing, I learnt more about sociology and get more interested.

Social Inequalities: Class, Race, and Gender
Recommend the Class: 92%
Recommend the Instructor: 96%
Comments:
  • Professor Bender is very proficient and confident at what she is teaching to us. She provides a very comprehensive lens of looking at social inequality and really changes my views of society. Her class is very organized and discussion-promoting.
  • The group discussions followed by a class discussion of the group discussion really promoted learning and idea exchange.
  • Allowed everyone space and time to talk and discuss their issues
  • She implemented a WRAP, which involves all of the students explaining their interests in the readings. The wrap was helpful in starting class to get us all thinking about the same themes
  • The in class activities and "The Wrap" we do in class made the entire quarter better. These activities helped get an understanding of the different sociological topics we were going over in class, and "The Wrap" greatly helped with unpacking each reading. ​