Student Evaluation of Teaching
Teaching and learning are at the heart of Duquesne. In order to assure quality and provide regular feedback to instructors on their teaching, Duquesne uses two kinds of teaching evaluation: student and peer. Both student and faculty peer perspectives on one's teaching and course design are helpful - each in its own way.
Near the end of the course, students in face-to-face classes complete the Student Evaluation Survey about their instructor. In 2011-2012, Duquesne is piloting online administration of the SESs. See more information at Academic Polices and Procedures
The instructor receives the summary report of the 25 scaled items and the two open-ended items following the Registrar's posting of course grades.
The SES examines teaching according to five domains:
- instructional design
- instructional delivery
- attitudes toward student learning
- out-of-class availability
- student outcomes
The five domains reflect the complexity of teaching and provide a profile indicating areas of relative strength and opportunities for growth.
Online and clinical/practicum courses use a different evaluation of teaching.
The student evaluation surveys are presented in the Faculty Resource Guide. The Faculty Handbook outlines the procedures for faculty peer review of teaching in Appendix B.
Adapting and Surviving the Move to Online SESs summarizes some research on online student evaluations and provides practical tips for encouraging student participation.
Disclaimer -- CTE does not formally evaluate teaching or create policy in how faculty evaluation is conducted at Duquesne. This tip is based on literature relevant to online course evaluations and is not intended as a statement for or against online student evaluations of teaching.
Instructors are encouraged to use brief surveys earlier in the course to gather feedback and address student concerns before the course is over. Early course evaluations are completely in the control of instructors, and they can use them to address questions pertinent to that particular class. See examples.
Faculty and TAs are welcome to make an appointment to discuss their teaching evaluations with CTE staff for the purpose of improving their teaching.