End-of-term teaching evaluations have been repeatedly shown to be, at best, biased and imperfect measures of a teacher’s performance (1, 2, 3). I still strongly value any opportunities for students to give me feedback–so, one practice I use is midterm evaluation surveys. Below is an example from my Spring 2025 Introduction to College Writing course.
I appreciate data that shows how I try to meet the goals in my teaching philosophy, so I’m sharing data from my end-of-course evaluations below. I’ve recently updated this page to reflect my evals from faculty life, but if you’re a grad student with questions about how to present your teaching feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Summary
Students consistently report two strengths in my teaching: 1) assigning work that actually benefits their learning and is related to course objectives, and 2) helpful, meaningful feedback on that work. Below, I offer averaged quantitative data from course evaluation questions paired with student comments.
Weber State’s evals use a three-point scale:
Does the following (1 pt) need improvement to benefit my learning, (2 pts) neutral, or (3 pts) benefit my learning. Therefore, a maximum “benefits” score is 3.
Course structure
Required course materials benefit my learning.
- Fall 2024 average: 2.697
- Spring 2025 average: 2.717
Course activities benefit my learning.
- Fall 2024 average: 2.823
- Spring 2025 average: 2.783
Course work benefits my learning.
- Fall 2024 average: 2.917
- Spring 2025 average: 2.83
Relevant comments
“The course materials were well–organized, informative, and provided a solid foundation for understanding the subject. The readings and resources were relevant and supported the key concepts effectively. The activities were engaging and helped reinforce the material in a practical way. Assessments were fair and aligned well with the learning objectives, allowing for a clear evaluation of understanding. Overall, the course structure facilitated a meaningful learning experience, and no major improvements are needed.” – Spring 2025 ENGL 1010 Introduction to College Writing student
“I liked the grading in this course. It was more conducive to learning than many courses I’ve taken as it put more emphasis on the learning process than being perfect on the first try.” – Fall 2024 ENGL 3100 Professional & Technical Writing student
Instructor facilitation, communication, and feedback
The instructor facilitates a classroom environment that benefits my learning.
- Fall 2024 average: 2.787
- Spring 2025 average: 3
Opportunities to communicate with the instructor benefit my learning.
- Fall 2024 average: 2.963
- Spring 2025 average: 3
Instructor feedback benefits my learning.
- Fall 2024 average: 3
- Spring 2025 average: 3
Relevant comments
“I really liked the way that you actually told me what I needed to improve and how I could do it. You seemed to actually read and consider the points of each argument/paper and then give proper feedback.” – Spring 2025 ENGL 1010 Introduction to College Writing student
“Dr. Y is super on top of responding to messages and it shows how much she cares about her students. I wish I had more to criticize but everything in this class is super professional and Dr. Y is a very effective professor.” – Fall 2024 ENGL 3100 Professional & Technical Writing student
Marisa Yerace 