Mid-term feedback by Sara Anna Hellmüller https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha Please provide feedback on the class so far. What should be kept and what should be changed. en-us 2021-10-27 14:55:50 UTC 2025-12-06 13:27:14 UTC hello@padlet.com Informative, effective, efficient https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1858890014 This class is arguably one of my favourite this semester. Coming in comparatively without any background on UN peace missions, I must say that I am learning a lot from this class, thanks to the format, the clarity of the professor, and the discussions. 

It would be good if the professor could provide more insights on the case study presentations, however this would be a minor addition - perhaps to have when the student group was not extremely clear.  ]]> 2021-11-01 14:17:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1858890014 Thank you https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1859800662 Thank you for everything. Currently I am fully satisfied with the course. I don't believe there is anything that needs to be fixed urgently. 

]]> 2021-11-01 20:26:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1859800662 More group discussions https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1861034266 Overall, I am delighted with the course and always look forward to the class sessions. However, the open discussion rounds after the case study presentations could maybe profit from more group discussions.]]> 2021-11-02 08:32:18 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1861034266 A great class https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1861051328 Personally, I really enjoy this class as I think it is both useful to those relatively unfamiliar with the topic and those who already have conducted prior research on the subject matter.

I really enjoy the format as the session introductions by the professor ensure that the theoretical foundations are clear which enables the student presenters to focus on more case-specific and nuanced information. The discussions in the second half of the class are always very interesting too.]]> 2021-11-02 08:41:01 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1861051328 Very Informative and Enjoyable https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1861719521 Thank you for your efforts putting this class together. The format is makes it very engaging and the readings are very well chosen. I would definitely recommend this class. 
Would be very happy if you could share some additional readings that could be optional and allow us to further deepen our knowledge.]]> 2021-11-02 13:58:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1861719521 One of my favorite class! https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1864093615 The course is really well structured. Personally, I am learning a lot about a topic that really interests me, without feeling too burdened, and not because the course is not rich in content. I really like the fact that there are few readings to read every week, this helps to actually read them and stay on course.
I really enjoyed the explanation + case studies + discussion format.

Perhaps, I would try to give a little more background on the presentations, starting to introduce the topic in the last part of the class of the week before, so as to better orient the presentations and avoid both overlaps and gaps. Similarly, since a lot of time is devoted to class discussion, I would try to structure it a little more, perhaps increasing group discussions, and providing additional readings for those wishing to deep more a particular topic. This way, I think, participation could be increased, also for those people who may “get lost” in the discussion.
]]> 2021-11-03 09:16:15 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1864093615 Good class despite some room for improvement https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1865056594 Although the sessions are well planned and informative overall, I also do feel like they are becoming quite repetitive. We seem to be getting stuck in essentially the exact same question over and over again: "How to balance sovereignty and intervention / neutrality-impartiality and use of force / Chapter VI and Chapter VII?" And then we never get to any useful answer because, as harsh as this may sound, we are just inexpert people voicing our opinions. I would love for discussions to go further than that, with real-life evidence instead of purely abstract or hypothetical examples. 

Indeed, contrary to other opinions published here thus far, I don't really see much benefit in student-led presentations and discussions in this class simply because we are far from being experts. I've noticed that it happens at least once or twice per session that presenters get asked questions that they have no idea how to answer, and rightfully so. Despite our hard work in researching the topics in question, most of us have zero expertise in UN peace missions and zero direct involvement in any of them. I look forward to more insights by people with substantial knowledge on the topic (the professor and guest speakers, for example). Being in Geneva, this is a resource that I believe we could and should exploit to the fullest. Plus, the professor has a fascinating trajectory in this field! I would just say: Do feel free to share a lot more UN-related anecdotes with us, don't be shy :) They are helpful to remember concepts more easily and to "land" the readings into something concrete and observable.

On a much more specific note, it would be helpful if the professor could speak a bit more slowly just so that we have time to take notes and process what's being said, especially those of us who are not native in English. 

Finally, for future iterations of feedback, I would suggest making these comments not only anonymous but also confidential, since they can easily become subject to social desirability bias otherwise. 

]]> 2021-11-03 15:29:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1865056594 A really good class https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1868435198 Very much enjoying the class and your teaching style, Professor Hellmüller. The way the class meetings are structured (1. lecture, 2. presentation, 3. discussion) is working very well for me, both in terms of learning and in terms of staying engaged throughout the time in class. I also appreciate the good time management, which has been an issue with many other classes at the Institute.]]> 2021-11-04 20:45:46 UTC https://padlet.com/sarahellmueller/5gzgzjwoidson3ha/wish/1868435198