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This guide provides strategies, reflection questions, and resources for each item in the Early Course Check-In (ECC) survey. The ECC is designed to help you gather formative feedback from your students around Week 5 of the semester, allowing you to make timely adjustments to support their learning and engagement.  

Each section below corresponds to one of the ECC items and includes specific strategies for both synchronous and asynchronous courses, where applicable. Please note that the feedback is related to teaching and course delivery, not to the design itself. 

Summary of ECC Items 

Synchronous ECC Questions	Asynchronous ECC Questions
1. Helps me know what I need to do each week  2. Creates a safe and supportive learning environment for all students (Synchronous only)  3. Explains complex concepts in a way I can understand  4. Checks to ensure the class is understanding the material (Synchronous only)  5. Provides me with helpful feedback on my work in this course	1. Helps me know what I need to do each week  2. Ensures a safe and supportive learning environment for all students (Asynchronous only)  3. Explains complex concepts in a way I can understand  4. Communicates with me weekly to ensure I am understanding the course content (Asynchronous only) 5. Provides me with helpful feedback on my work in this course

Below, find reflection questions and resources to support your reflections on your teaching practices, based on students’ feedback across the ECC items.

1. Helps me know what I need to do each week 

Clearly communicating weekly expectations helps students manage their time and stay engaged. 

Ways to support this in your teaching: 

• Use a weekly module structure in eConestoga that includes all relevant materials, activities, and deadlines. 
• Post a weekly roadmap or checklist that outlines what students should read, watch, complete, and submit. 
• Ensure that due dates are clearly marked in the course calendar and within each module. 
• Use the Activity Feed or Announcements to highlight weekly priorities and updates. 
• For synchronous courses, begin each class with a brief agenda or overview of the week’s goals and tasks. 
• For asynchronous courses, consider posting a short weekly video or message summarizing expectations. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• Have you structured your course shell to make weekly expectations easy to find? 
• Do students know what they should be working on each week and when it’s due? 
• Are you using consistent formats and language to reduce confusion? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Creating Clarity in Assignment Descriptions 
• Lesson and Course Planning 
• Essential Elements for eConestoga 

2. Creates a safe and supportive learning environment for all students (Synchronous only) 

A safe and supportive learning environment fosters student engagement and success. 

Ways to support this in your teaching: 

• Establish clear expectations for respectful behaviour and communication. 
• Foster a sense of community through icebreakers, group activities, and collaborative projects. 
• Address any instances of disrespect or exclusion promptly and thoughtfully. 
• Use inclusive language and examples that reflect the diversity of your students. 
• Provide support resources and encourage students to seek help when needed. 
• Be approachable and available to students, showing empathy and understanding. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• Do students feel safe and supported in your class? 
• How do you promote respect and inclusion in your classroom? 
• What steps do you take to address any issues of disrespect or exclusion? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Creating a Positive Learning Environment in Virtual Meetings 
• More Ways to Engage Students in Your Online Class 
• Incorporating Interactive Learning in Asynchronous Courses
• Ideas for Equitable Class Participation

2. Ensures a safe and supportive learning environment for all students (Asynchronous only) 

A safe and supportive online environment fosters student engagement and success. 

Ways to support this in your course: 

• Create a welcoming and inclusive online environment through your tone and communication. 
• Use discussion boards and other interactive tools to build a sense of community. 
• Monitor online interactions and address any issues of disrespect or exclusion promptly. 
• Provide clear guidelines for respectful online communication. 
• Offer virtual office hours or other opportunities for students to connect with you. 
• Share resources for academic and personal support, encouraging students to seek help when needed. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• Do students feel safe and supported in your online course? 
• How do you foster a sense of community and inclusion in the online environment? 
• What measures do you take to address any issues of disrespect or exclusion online? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Asynchronous Icebreakers

3. Explains complex concepts in a way I can understand 

Breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts helps students grasp difficult material. Uses different strategies (definition, description, classification, example, analogy, practice, personalization, etc.) to aid understanding. 

Ways to support this in your teaching: 

• Break down complex concepts into smaller, manageable parts. 
• Use analogies, examples, and visual aids to illustrate difficult ideas. 
• Check for understanding regularly and adjust your explanations as needed. 
• In synchronous classes, use interactive techniques like think-pair-share or concept mapping. 
• In asynchronous classes, provide supplementary materials such as videos, readings, and practice exercises. 
• Encourage students to ask for clarification and provide multiple ways for them to seek help. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• Are you using a variety of methods to explain complex concepts? 
• Do students have opportunities to practice and apply what they’ve learned? 
• How do you check for understanding and address any confusion? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Explaining Content Effectively
• Teaching Critical Thinking

4. Checks to ensure the class is understanding the material (Synchronous only) 

Regularly checking for understanding helps ensure students are grasping the material. 

Ways to support this in your teaching: 

• Use formative assessments like quizzes, polls, and exit tickets to gauge understanding. 
• Incorporate active learning techniques such as think-pair-share, group discussions, and problem-solving activities. 
• Ask open-ended questions and encourage students to explain their thinking. 
• Provide opportunities for students to ask questions and seek clarification during class. 
• Use student feedback to adjust your teaching and address any areas of confusion. 
• Regularly summarize key points and check for understanding before moving on. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• How do you check for understanding during your synchronous classes? 
• Are you using a variety of formative assessment techniques? 
• How do you respond to student feedback and adjust your teaching accordingly? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Comprehension Checks

4. Communicates with me weekly to ensure I am understanding the course content (Asynchronous only) 

Regular communication helps ensure students are staying on track and understanding the content. 

Ways to support this in your course: 

• Send weekly announcements and/or emails summarizing key points and upcoming tasks. 
• Use discussion boards to check in with students and address any questions or concerns. 
• Provide regular feedback on assignments and participation to keep students on track. 
• Encourage students to reach out with questions and offer virtual office hours for additional support. 
• Use formative assessments like quizzes and reflection prompts to gauge understanding. 
• Share additional resources and support materials to help students grasp challenging concepts. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• How do you communicate with students in your asynchronous course? 
• Are you providing regular updates and feedback to support student understanding? 
• What strategies do you use to check in with students and address their questions or concerns? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Following Asynchronous Course Engagement 

5. Provides me with helpful feedback on my work in this course 

Providing timely and specific feedback helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement. 

Ways to support this in your teaching: 

• Provide timely and specific feedback on assignments and assessments. 
• Use rubrics to clarify expectations and guide your feedback. 
• In synchronous classes, offer opportunities for one-on-one feedback sessions or office hours. 
• In asynchronous classes, use tools like annotated comments, audio feedback, or video feedback. 
• Encourage students to reflect on your feedback and use it to improve their work. 
• Create opportunities for peer feedback and self-assessment. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• Are you providing feedback that is timely, specific, and actionable? 
• Do students understand how to use your feedback to improve their work? 
• How can you create more opportunities for meaningful feedback in your course? 

Related Hub Posts: 

• Providing Feedback in an Online Environment
• Giving Students Feedback Using an Inquiry Approach