It was questioned if the evaluations could be done online. Dr. Hearne says that it is definitely logistically possible, if it is valuable. The question is if there is any positive purpose served. If a faculty member is routinely below point five or in the 1 st percentile, you know someone has a problem. In the middle, you can only assume they are doing an acceptable job and may be able to determine areas of improvement.
Students are able to assess if someone communicates clearly.
They can also assess if the material is at a level where they think they are learning something, as well as whether an instructor treats students as decent human beings and whether there an enthusiasm for the subject. What they cannot measure is whether the material is valuable, accurate, or relevant. Other uses for the student assessment of teaching should be considered. It was questioned what exactly the topic is. Whether or not we can find ways to count other things that are less defined than teaching such as colleague assessment, research and advising.