The author looks at the meaning of specific terminology commonly used in student surveys: "effective teaching." The research seeks to determine if there is a difference in how "effective teaching" is defined by those taking student surveys and those interpreting the results. To investigate this difference, a sample group of professors and students were asked to define "effective teaching," and their responses were compiled into a research-only survey that gave 30 options for defining the term. A broad pool of respondents was then asked to select the top four of those definition options. Results were compiled and analyzed through rating, ranking, and scoring of choices. The study reveals that although there is some similarity in student and faculty definitions, there are greater differences between the two. An understanding of these differences is crucial to faculty and administrators when interpreting student survey results. (Contains 5 tables.)