Constructing a Useful Student Evaluation Instrument
- Use a pool of items appropriate to the course and to your teaching style.
- Use a 5- to 7-point scale.
- Be sure that each item addresses only one aspect of your teaching or of the course.
- Allow space for narrative comments.
- Design survey questions that address Chickering’s “Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.” Good practice
• Encourages contact between students and faculty
• Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students
• Encourages active learning
• Gives prompt feedback
• Emphasizes time on task
• Communicates high expectations
• Respects diverse talents and ways of learning
- Include survey items that address traditional characteristics of effective teaching:
• Communication skills—ability to clearly explain difficult or abstract ideas, theories, processes, etc.
• Favorable attitude toward students
• Knowledge of subject matter
• Good organization of subject matter and course
• Enthusiasm toward subject
• Fairness in examinations and grading
• Flexibility
• Encouragement of students to think for themselves
• Good fit between course goals and objectives and the instructor’s teaching strategies, assigned work, and use of class time
Resources
Cashin, W.E. (1990). Student ratings of teaching: Recommendations for use. Retrieved Sept. 9, 2008 from http://www.idea.ksu.edu/podidea/index.html .
Cashin, W.E. (1995). Student ratings of teaching: The research revisited. Retrieved Sept. 10, 2008 from http://www.idea.ksu.edu/podidea/index.html .
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