Why Sociologists Should Oppose Using Student Evaluations of Teaching in Personnel Decisions

• In Event: 4404 - Inclusive Pedagogy

Abstract

Recent research shows that Student Evaluations of Teaching (SETs) do not measure teaching effectiveness. They measure other things, like satisfaction, and are biased against minorities and women to a point that seems illegal. The bias is worse in courses teaching about inequality, which can discourage teaching about it. Instead of improving teaching, they contribute to grade inflation and limiting faculty diversity. This has led some universities to change or discontinue their use in hiring and promotion decisions. Given this situation, sociologists should take an active stance against using SETs in personnel decisions.

Author

• Sebastián G. Guzmán, Purchase College, SUNY