Title : Use of student evaluations to measure post-secondary education teaching effectiveness: Are they reliable and valid measures? If not, what alternative evaluation strategies should be considered?
Abstract:
The use of student evaluations to measure teaching effectiveness at post-secondary institutions has been the subject of much debate. Some scholars suggest that the use of term end student evaluations are useful tools that can improve both student learning outcomes and teaching performance. While others argue that factors such as bias, stereotyping, and faculty characteristics such as race, gender, age, and appearance negatively impact student evaluation results. Since demonstrated evidence of successful teaching is a requirement of tenure and promotion within post-secondary institutions, it is imperative that its evaluation be based on the best possible evidence. In this presentation, the author will share options for providing such evidence which in turn will provide assurance that faculty are evaluated using methods that are fair and valid as well as reliable.
Audience Take Away Notes:
Participants will be able to:
> Describe the limitations of student evaluations of teaching performance when used to inform decisions about tenure and promotion within academia
> Outline alternatives to measuring teaching performance in academia
> With knowledge acquired from my presentation, post-secondary educators will be better equipped to advocate against the sole use of student evaluations when determining important HR decisions such as tenure and/or promotion
