Module 3.1
ANALYZING STUDENT RATINGS
Reread the section of the plan on Students' Rating and Appendix C for a full understanding of the guidelines and forms associated with this module. Each college will have its own instruction sheet for the use of student ratings; please check with your supervisor for a copy of these directions.
Student rating forms are to be used by every full-time and part-time instructor, every semester. The plans notes, "The evaluator will receive the completed forms to review for student comments. Copies of the statistical report will be given to the Dean and the evaluator. Completed student forms are returned to the instructor at the end of the semester, after final grades are submitted. A copy of the summary statistical report will be placed in the faculty member's professional file each semester" (hard copy p. 5).
In Appendix C you will find the different questionnaires that have been designed for use in the classroom, clinical, laboratory, English as a Second Language, and Studio setting. Copies of specific forms may be downloaded and should be reviewed with all new faculty prior to administration.
In reviewing the forms, evaluators need to know that there are no cut scores set for any particular question, or for the analysis of total form. In this way, you may search the responses from all ratings to discern patterns, within and across classes. Student comments, on the back of the forms, may be helpful in understanding certain patterns. Patterns of both commendable practices, as well as those requiring attention, should be noted by the evaluator and then the complete package of student ratings forms and the statistical report should be returned to the faculty member after final grades are posted.
In is important to note that student ratings, by themselves, are insufficient to form a comprehensive understanding of the faculty member's overall performance. In addition, data from the classroom observation and the members' self appraisal need to be added to information derived from the student ratings' form to reach a comprehensive understanding of the faculty member's overall level of performance. However, a pattern of low student ratings and numerous negative student comments may raise a certain level of concern at the end of any semester. In these cases, supervisors are expected to consult with the Academic Dean prior to implementing any plan of action.
Practice Exercise One: Examining Statistical Reports
Three examples of statistical summaries are presented for you to examine and identify significant patterns that are commendable and those that might suggest improvements are necessary. Consider the profile for each instructor. What patterns emerge for each instructor? How are these patterns reflective of the four categories of the standards for Instructional Excellence? What specific commendations and recommendations would you make for each instructor?
STUDENT RATING SURVEY
EXAMPLE 1: Dr. Bright (N=40) S. Agree Agree Disagree S.Disagree 1. The instructor presents course objectives in a clear and understandable way. 70% 10% 5% 5% 2. The instructor conducts a well-organized class. 60% 30% 10% 0% 3. The instructor encourages me to think about the subject matter 40% 35% 5% 0% 4. The instructor encourages students to participate in class discussions and to ask questions. 55% 45% 0% 0% 5. The instructor creates an atmosphere in class which promotes learning. 45% 55% 0% 0% 6. The instructor provides assignments which help me to learn the subject matter of this course. 50% 29% 10% 1% 7. The instructor presents the subject clearly. 70% 10% 5% 5% 8. The instructor demonstrates enthusiasm for and interest in the subject. 80% 20% 0% 0% 9. The instructor uses class time effectively. 40% 50% 5% 5% 10.The instructor provides clearly defined grading procedures and standards. 60% 40% 0% 0% 11.The instructor returns tests and graded materials promptly. 50% 40% 10% 0% 12.The instructor provides feedback as to how well I am doing in the course. 55% 45% 0% 0% 13.The instructor is available for office hours and/or individual conferences. 60% 40% 0% 0% 14.The instructor treats students with courtesy and respect. 65% 35% 0% 0% EXAMPLE 2: Dr. Mixed (N=40) S. Agree Agree Disagree S.Disagree 1. The instructor presents course objectives in a clear and understandable way. 70% 10% 5% 5% 2. The instructor conducts a well-organized class. 60% 30% 10% 0% 3. The instructor encourages me to think about the subject matter 30% 30% 20% 20% 4. The instructor encourages students to participate in class discussions and to ask questions. 5% 40% 55% 0% 5. The instructor creates an atmosphere in class which promotes learning. 10% 55% 35% 0% 6. The instructor provides assignments which help me to learn the subject matter of this course. 30% 30% 20% 20% 7. The instructor presents the subject clearly. 10% 50% 20% 20% 8. The instructor demonstrates enthusiasm for and interest in the subject. 5% 45% 50% 0% 9. The instructor uses class time effectively. 40% 50% 5% 5% 10.The instructor provides clearly defined grading procedures and standards. 60% 40% 0% 0% 11.The instructor returns tests and graded materials promptly. 50% 40% 10% 0% 12.The instructor provides feedback as to how well I am doing in the course. 55% 45% 0% 0% 13.The instructor is available for office hours and/or individual conferences. 60% 40% 0% 0% 14.The instructor treats students with courtesy and respect. 65% 35% 0% 0% EXAMPLE 3: Dr. Knowitall (N=40) S. Agree Agree Disagree S.Disagree 1. The instructor presents course objectives in a clear and understandable way. 10% 30% 30% 30% 2. The instructor conducts a well-organized class. 5% 35% 30% 30% 3. The instructor encourages me to think about the subject matter 5% 15% 60% 20% 4. The instructor encourages students to participate in class discussions and to ask questions. 5% 15% 60% 20% 5. The instructor creates an atmosphere in class which promotes learning. 0% 10% 70% 20% 6. The instructor provides assignments which help me to learn the subject matter of this course. 5% 20% 55% 20% 7. The instructor presents the subject clearly. 10% 35% 25% 30% 8. The instructor demonstrates enthusiasm for and interest in the subject. 5% 40% 55% 0% 9. The instructor uses class time effectively. 5% 40% 55% 0% 10.The instructor provides clearly defined grading procedures and standards. 10% 30% 60% 0% 11.The instructor returns tests and graded materials promptly. 5% 40% 55% 0% 12.The instructor provides feedback as to how well I am doing in the course. 5% 30% 65% 0% 13.The instructor is available for office hours and/or individual conferences. 5% 30% 65% 0% 14.The instructor treats students with courtesy and respect. 10% 20% 50% 20%