course evaluations nov 3

Jenni HaymanEducational Developer

Feedback is a gift…

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons: Kristina Alexanderson

Modified Photo: Flickr Creative Commons Barbara Agnew

Why seek feedback?

What are the benefits? What are the challenges?

Students Faculty Administrators

Research Shows…

Gravestock, P. & Gregor-Greenleaf, E. (2008). Student Course Evaluations: Research, Models and Trends. Toronto: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.

(freely published PDF)

Select observations

“Our findings suggest that no matter the reliability and validity of the evaluation instruments themselves, the policies, processes and practices at an institution determine the degree to which evaluations are an effective measure of teaching quality.” (p.6)

“The quantifiability and comparability of most course evaluations makes the imprecise art of evaluating teaching seem more objective and manageable.” (p.9)

“To be most effective in improving teaching, assessment should be both continuous and formative and evaluated in the context of an instructor’s personal goals for teaching improvement.” (p.16)

Early Formative Feedback

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons Gynti_46

Early Formative Feedback

Methods Dialogue (face-to-face or discussion forums) Survey (not anonymous) - Teaching moment

about positive critical feedback methods Partner with students to define effective

teaching Maintain trust

Benefits Challenges

Summative Feedback

Prepare students for surveys they will be asked to complete (know what you intend, how and what your institution will be asking students each term).

Ensure that students know exactly how the feedback will be used

Encourage students to seek and participate in college evaluation projects

Partner with administrators and your student administrative council about teaching evaluation processes

Final thought…

Faculty members should be provided with regular opportunities to give feedback to their institutions about elements that affect their work…teaching and learning support for them, student support for students, technical support, working conditions, facilities, online course design, learning management systems, and professional development opportunities

Discussion and Questions

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