Why conduct student course evaluations?

Student course evaluations offer instructors an opportunity to receive feedback on the quality of their courses from the students’ perspective. With this tool, students can also share with their instructors what they especially liked and disliked about the courses. The evaluation is not only about pointing out the weaknesses of the course to one's instructor, but also providing positive feedback to acknowledge especially good course concepts.

The obligatory, in-class discussion of the results – to which the students have a right as per the evaluation regulations – is meant to supplement the anonymous responses with constructive dialogue between the instructors and their students. It also conveys to the students that their criticism and suggestions are taken seriously. Posting the personalised results on the faculty intranet pages and discussing them in faculty-based committees help ensure their continuing impact going forward.