Ed Bailey asks
> Question --
> On page 489 of "Elementary Statistics" by Triola (7th), there is a
> sidebar article on " Student Ratings of Teachers". However, it does not
> give any information on the studies used for the claim that student
> evaluations have a negative correlation with amount of material learned.
> If you happen to know the article refered to or any related studies,
> please let me know.
> Thank You -- Ed Bailey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>
There is a large literature base looking at the accuracy and factors
influencing student course evaluations. One fairly recent example that may
be of interest:
Greenwald, A. G. & Gillmore, G. M. (1997). No Pain, No Gain? The importance
of measuring course workload in student ratings of instruction. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 89 (4), 743-751.
This study draws upon data from about 200 undergraduate courses in each of
3 consecutive academic terms. A covariance structure model was developed in
the first term and cross-validated in each of the next two terms. The two
major features of the model include: (a) courses with higher grades were
evaluated more highly by students, and (b) courses with higher grades had
lighter workloads.
There was also a special issue of the American Psychologist vol 52 #11
(1997) devoted to discussing student ratings of professors.
Greenwald, A. G. Validity concerns and usefulness of student ratings of
instruction. pp. 1182-1186.
Marsh, H. W. & Roche, L. A. Making students' evaluations of teaching
effectiveness effective: The critical issues of validity, bias, and
utility. pp. 1187-1197.
d'Apollonia, S. & Abrami, P. c. Navigating student ratings of instruction.
pp. 1198-1208.
Greenwald, A. G., & Gillmore, G. M. Grading leniency is a removable
contaminant of student ratings. pp. 1209-1217.
McKeachie, W. J. Student ratings: The validity of use. pp. 1218-1225.
There were also various follow-up comments in American Psychologist, vol.
53 #11, and perhaps other issues around that time.
Plus, there are also several reviews of this literature (although mostly
older). A quick search of PsycINFO or ERIC will provide lots of other
references.
Michelle McGinn
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Michelle K. McGinn
Graduate & Undergraduate Studies ph: 905-688-5550 ext. 4730
Faculty of Education msg: 905-688-5550 ext. 4638
Brock University fax: 905-688-0544
500 Glenridge Avenue
St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
