While staff are not prevented from using subject evaluations as an aspect of evidence presented for promotion, this is not the primary purpose of subject evaluation. Each source has particular strengths and weaknesses. Students are best placed to comment on the classroom experience. They are less well placed to comment on the level of the content material and the academic integrity of the subject. Both present and past students may be asked to comment and the most common methods for obtaining information are questionnaires, focus group interviews and class representative panels.
Academic peers are well placed to comment on the level and academic integrity of the subject.
Unless specifically trained, they are less well placed to comment on the classroom experience. Academic peers are normally asked to comment on subject documentation, materials and outcomes. They may include people from similar areas within the University and varying programme levels. They may also come from other institutions or professional bodies. They are normally asked to comment on subject documentation and materials but may also be asked to give formative feedback on classroom processes.