We conducted a theory-based analysis of the underlying structure of the Tripod student perception survey instrument using the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) database (N = 1,049 middle school math class sections; N = 25,423 students). Multilevel item factor analyses suggested that an alternative bifactor structure best fit the Tripod items,…

Evaluated multidimensional students evaluations of teaching (SETs), workload (workload for students), grades, perceived learning, and background variables through confirmatory factor analysis of previously published data. Results show that SETs and teaching effectiveness can both be improved by increasing good workload and decreasing bad workload.…

This study used a multistage mixed-methods analysis to assess the content-related validity (i.e., item validity, sampling validity) and construct-related validity (i.e., substantive validity, structural validity, outcome validity, generalizability) of a teaching evaluation form (TEF) by examining students' perceptions of characteristics of…

A multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrix was formed in which nine evaluation dimensions were the multiple traits, and different offerings of the same course were the multiple methods. Findings from the MTMM analysis and confirmatory factor analysis provide strong evidence for the multidimensionality of student ratings. (Author/BW)

Multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant relationship between student ratings of instruction and curriculum area but not between ratings and course format. The technical and practical ramifications of these findings are discussed. (Author/JKS)

Student ratings of instruction were correlated with examination performance in 72 sections of seven courses. In two of the courses, students had been randomly assigned to sections. The pattern of correlations across the courses indicated that the global ratings of teacher effectiveness and of the value of the course to students were most highly…

Effects of course characteristics on student ratings in a variety of instructional situations were examined. Data were collected from 1,777 classes in five departments at all levels of instruction over three years. Overall results confirmed generally accepted trends, but in some departments at particular levels of instruction, relationships varied…

Students viewed lectures varying in amount of substantive content and expressiveness of presentation. Subsequent achievement tests and ratings of lecture effectiveness revealed that high achievement level was associated with high content coverage and expressiveness. Sensitivity of ratings to content coverage and achievement did not improve after a…

The author contends that student evaluations of faculty should be adjusted before use in tenure, salary, and promotion decisions to eliminate irrelevant course and teacher attributes which color students' opinions and confound analysis. To eliminate possible bias, a multiple regression analysis procedure for the adjustment of student evaluations…

The Checklist of Instructional Characteristics (CLIC) was assessed by examining potential contaminating factors (class size, presentation format, students' initial interest, and personal impression of the instructor) and instructional outcomes (outcome interest, course performance, and self-reported learning). The relationships between the CLIC…

Student achievement in an introductory psychology course was found to correlate most strongly with the teaching assistant's Graduate Record Examination (GRE)-Advanced psychology score, and number of undergraduate psychology courses taken by the instructor. Student satisfaction with the teacher, however, was best predicted by the instructor's…

The study compared various methods of identifying teaching factors and found substantive similarity of the dimensions defined from student's implicit theories and various types of correlational data. Results are interpreted both with respect to the rating process and to the nature of the factors identified in previous student ratings research.…

Students rated domain-appropriate teacher responses to transgressions higher than domain-inappropriate or domain-undifferentiated responses. In addition, students generalized their ratings of teacher responses to their ratings of the teachers. (Author/BW)

The relationship between student/teacher attitude similarity and teacher rating form (TRF) scores is examined. Students (N=345) completed a 24-item attitude scale, once for themselves and once for their instructors, and a 28-item TRF. Attitude similarity is of minimum importance when evaluations are used to make gross distinctions among…

The importance of communication skills in the vocational education teaching/learning process is underscored. The most important measures which differentiated good from poor teaching were: teacher dynamism, teacher delivery, time spent with students, positive reinforcement of students, and positive attitude toward the students. (RC)