Student and faculty perceptions of student course evaluations, teacher effectiveness and faculty development

Although student evaluation data were regularly reviewed by faculty members and administrators at Southern Private Christian University (SPCU), the data had not been analyzed for overall trends in student satisfaction and teacher effectiveness, nor was it clear how the student ratings were affected by course method of delivery and adjunct or full-time faculty status. Undergraduate students' course evaluation ratings were analyzed using data gathered from both the university's survey and from a survey created by the researchers to determine whether student perceptions of course satisfaction and teacher effectiveness were impacted by method of course delivery and the type of faculty member. This study utilized a mixed methods approach with a statistical analysis of student course evaluation data as well as a qualitative analysis of personal and group interviews from students and faculty members at SPCU. An analysis of the SPCU student evaluation data revealed no statistically significant difference in student perceptions of course satisfaction and teacher effectiveness based on course method of delivery and faculty status. An analysis of the researcher-created student survey did show there was a statistically significant difference between teacher effectiveness with respect to mode of instruction and type of faculty. The qualitative data highlighted faculty and administration concerns with the reliability of the results of the student course evaluations as well as varying perceptions of how the data was utilized regarding faculty development and employment related decisions. It was concluded that SPCU should engage in a reevaluation of the content and implementation of its course evaluation procedures as well as develop a cohesive policy that is communicated at all levels of the institution as to the utilization of the course evaluation data. Recommendations for faculty development efforts were also made based on best practices revealed in the literature review.