Student ratings of instruction measure general instructional skill, give a composite of delivering instruction, facilitate interactions, and evaluate student learning. A meta-analysis of the multisection validity studies indicates student ratings are moderately valid, but affected by administrative, instructor, and course characteristics. (MMU)

Six quantitative reviews of the research on student ratings of instructional effectiveness are examined. The disparate conclusions of the reviews are explained by comparing the syntheses at each of five steps in a meta-analysis: specifying inclusion criteria; locating studies; coding study features; calculating study outcomes; and data analysis.…

Primary research on student ratings of instruction is reviewed, and questions about the validity of such ratings as measures of teacher effectiveness are explored using nomological coding of 43 validity studies to examine causes of variability in coefficients of validity. Deficiencies of prior analyses and research needs are identified. (SLD)