Developing a Course Evaluation Form Using a Mixed Methods Design

• In Event: Roundtable Session 31
  In Roundtable Session: Diverse Considerations for Designing and Implementing Effective Student Ratings of Instruction

Abstract

Researchers used mixed methods research to 1) determine the characteristics that faculty and students consider important for highly effective courses and highly effective teachers, 2) use the results to develop a course evaluation forms (CEF) that more accurately reflects the perspectives of students and faculty, and 3) test the factor structure of the new CEF after implementation. Students and faculty were asked to describe characteristics of effective college courses and effective faculty. The resulting instrument organized course evaluation questions around three meta-themes, Instruction, Communication, and Assessment. An exploratory factor analysis supported the retention of these three themes and provide validity evidence for the instrument.

Authors

• Lisa W. Harris, Winthrop University

• Carolyn C. Shields, Winthrop University