MCE Launches New Course Evaluation Tool
Always looking for ways to improve teaching and learning, a Morgridge College of Education faculty task force has worked to modify the DU-required course evaluation form to make items reflect a student-centered approach to instruction. Course evaluations are an important piece in ensuring a quality educational experience for students by assisting faculty in evaluating the quality of their teaching and providing an impetus for improvement. Evaluations also inform faculty if students are learning what they should learn. Course evaluations are an important component in the tenure and promotion process.
Items were adapted from those developed by Barbara McCoombs in her work with student-centered learning. Data collected and analyzed from Winter 2007 and Summer 2007 suggest that the 14-item DU form correlates at about .6-.8 with the new 12-item evaluation form (called "reflections of student learning," or RSL). Both forms show internal consistency reliability above .90, with a slight edge to the RSL. In Winter 2007, data for additional validation items were collected, with the RSL correlating slightly higher (.4-.6)than the DU form (.3-.6) with short scales assessing student self-report of task mastery, knowledge seeking, and self-efficacy. The MCE faculty adopted the RSL form in preference to the standard DU course evaluation form.
Students will begin using the new course evaluation form - RSL - beginning in fall quarter 2007. To view the new course evaluation form, click HERE. The form also allows students the opportunity to provide written comments about each course. Students are asked about the strong and weak points of the course and instructor, as well as suggestions for improving the course.
