Student Evaluations of Teaching Effectiveness

Formal tools ~ Informal Tools ~ How to Choose ~ Who Sees Reports ~ How to Improve Response Rates ~ How to Assess Feedback ~ Student Evaluation Archives

Note: There are a number of different student evaluation tools available at Rowan University. Two electronic tools are overseen by the Faculty Center and departments may also utilize electronic or paper evaluation tools. Please check with your department about which tool is to be used for your classes.

***The Rowan Online EvalKit tool is NO LONGER available (as of 5/2020).

***Because of upcoming changes to Banner, the Banner evaluation tool is being phased out. It will be available during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. After that, it will no longer be available.

Two Formal Student Evaluation Tools Overseen by the Faculty Center

• The Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness in Banner. This online survey in Banner features 13 questions and can be accessed by any faculty member at Rowan. This evaluation tool does not feature national norming. The Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning oversees The Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness. Because of upcoming changes to Banner, this evaluation tool is being phased out. It will be available during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. After that, it will no longer be available. Contact Natalie Kautz (kautzn@rowan.edu) for more Information.
  
  
• IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction (SRI) by Anthology. Beginning in Fall 2020, departments will have the opportunity to use this 40-question online survey, powered by Anthology. This tool offers rich data analysis, including national norming. This instrument may be used by the faculty member only if the department has opted into the program, and the faculty member’s course code has been entered into the system. The Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning oversees the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction (SRI) by Anthology. Contact Natalie Kautz (kautzn@rowan.edu) for more Information.

Note: Some departments use other types of student evaluations, either paper or electronic.

Two Informal Student Evaluation Tools overseen by the Faculty Center:

• The Feedback Tool - Feedback is a tool used to allow instructors to receive formative feedback from students throughout the semester. Feedback sessions include six questions related to high impact teaching practices and a single question that gauges
  the students’ overall perception of the materials covered.
• The Student Response System Tool - The SRS tool is intended for quick, on-the-spot data collection and review. It is a formative assessment tool that allows you to embed direct measures of learning into various learning experiences. Students can access short quizzes on their devices. Results are viewable immediately, allowing instructors to adjust lessons and provide instant feedback.

FAQs

How will I know which evaluation to use?

If you are unsure, check with your department to see their approved evaluation tool for all classes. 

Who will see my evaluations?

Per the AFT Local Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the evaluation reports will be issued directly to the faculty member. The faculty member can choose whether to share the reports with the department or include the reports in a tenure, recontracting, or promotion packet.

How can I improve my response rates?

• Instructors are encouraged to use class time for their students to complete the evaluation (the most important tip, according to research).  Please note that instructors and teaching assistants are required to leave the room while their students complete the evaluation. Appoint a student to notify you when to return and wait in the hallway.  
• Select a class during the last 5 weeks where you expect high attendance (perhaps a test day, or before handing out the final exam?).
• Conduct the evaluation at the beginning (not the end) of the class, and explain that you will allow 5-15 minutes to complete the evaluation, so there is no need to rush.
• To access the survey, students may use any device that will connect to the Internet. The evaluations have been optimized for display on small screens (such as cell phones and other mobile devices). 
• Remind students that responses are anonymous. You can assure your students that their responses will in no way affect their grades.
• Stress to students that their opinions are valued and expected, and it is important that you hear from everyone and how you will use the results.
• Thank students for their time.
• Monitor your response rates periodically and take active steps to improve low response before the time ends.
• "Nagging" or “Nudging” by email is one of the most powerful tactics to improve response rates. Email the class if you find that not everyone has taken the survey.
• An instructor should not offer extra credit or other award incentives to students to increase the response rate.

How can I assess my feedback?

For suggestions on how to interpret your report, go to our Teaching Resources (Feedback on Your Teaching) page. 

Student Evaluation Archives

Visit the Student Evaluation Archives to learn more about how these came to be.

Updated 10/22/21