STUDENTS PERCEPTIONS OF THE VALUE OF TEACHING EVALUATIONS

This research examined how 187 students assessed a course evaluation form, the anonymity of the evaluation process, the fairness and accuracy students attribute to the task of completing evaluations of instruction, and students' perceptions of the extent to which teachers and administrators make use of the information provided by evaluations. 92% of the student-participants believed that the rating forms provided an effective means of evaluating instruction. The majority thought instructors pay attention to evaluation results and change their behavior accordingly. Only 2% believed that their anonymity was not protected. Students appeared to have more faith in their own evaluations than in those of other students. They also lacked confidence in the use of evaluations for determining salary increases or tenure and promotion.