Blue (by Explorance) is UAH's course evaluation software. This tool makes end-of-term questionaires (also known as Student Instructor Evaluations or SIEs) available to students. It also shares the anonymized results with instructors and administrators. The regular cycle of feedback provides information that is crutial for continuous improvement of courses and teaching.

Course Evaluation Question Revision

We are undertaking a comprehensive review and revision of our course evaluation core questions to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our teaching support system at UAH.

Objectives

  • Better assess teaching effectiveness
  • Provide actionable feedback to instructors
  • Maintain consistency across departments
  • Support faculty development initiatives

Our Process

A dedicated task force of faculty and college admin, convened in consultation with leadership in the Faculty Senate, developed these proposed core evaluation questions over a series of meetings in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. Discussions also included sessions with the executive committees in each college to refine an understanding of the uses and needs associated with SIEs themselves. The initial draft was then refined further based on a student feedback session to ensure the questions effectively capture the student experience to provide meaningful information faculty can incorporate as part of their reflective practice.

We Need Your Input

We are now seeking feedback from our broader academic community - both students and faculty. Your insights will help us finalize an instrument as well as an evaluation system that serves everyone's needs.

Current vs. Proposed Questions

 

Proposed Core Questions for Feedback
  1. I found the organization of the course helped me understand what I needed to do to succeed.
  2. The instructor entered grades as we progressed throughout the semester.
  3. I felt the instructor created an engaging environment with the students.
  4. I found the instructor kept us on a reasonable schedule consistent with the syllabus.
  5. The instructor created opportunities for me to engage with classmates.
  6. I found the instructor followed the policies in the syllabus.
  7. I found the course materials were both relevant and engaging.
  8. I felt encouraged to reflect on my own learning throughout the course. [through instructor feedback and /or low stakes assignments (homework, discussions, etc)]
  9. I felt the instructor presented the material effectively.
  10. The instructor provided feedback beyond a grade as appropriate in the class.
  11. I felt like the instructor showed interest in student learning.
  12. I believe the instructor contributed to my understanding of the material in the course.
  13. I felt I could ask the instructor any questions about the course or for help if I needed to.
  14. I felt like the instructor maintained clear standards for response and availability (e.g. turnaround time for email, office hours, etc.) 
Current Core Questions
  1. The instructor organized the course according to a syllabus.
  2. The instructor followed a clear method of grading and evaluation.
  3. Other course policies and procedures were clearly defined and followed.
  4. The instructor effectively presented course content.
  5. The instructor鈥檚 teaching styles and methods promoted learning.
  6. The instructor stimulated learning through questions, assignments or exercises relevant to the course.
  7. The instructor鈥檚 approach made the students feel free to ask questions.
  8. The instructor was available for consultation outside of class.
  9. At the end of this semester, the course objectives as described in the syllabus had been accomplished.
  10. The instructor graded and returned material submitted for evaluation when they said they would.
  11. The instructor showed interest in student learning.
  12. The instructor responded in an effective and professional manner to student comments and questions.