Factors that students in Strathmore University consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness
Date
2014-06
Authors
Bett, Harry
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the factors that university students consider in
evaluating teaching effectiveness in Strathmore University (SU). Though student
evaluation of teaching is carried out in the institution, there is need to establish if the
ratings that are awarded in this process are valid and reliable enough to be used for
academic and personnel decision making.
The general aim of this study was to examine the factors that students consider in
evaluating teaching effectiveness in SU; the specific objectives were: to explore students
understanding of the reason for evaluating teaching effectiveness; to examine the factors
that students consider while evaluating teaching effectiveness, and lastly, to analyse
students’ opinion about their evaluation of teaching effectiveness.
More studies have been carried out in the field of Students Evaluation of Teaching
Effectiveness (SETE) than in any other area of evaluation of teaching. Several factors,
such as instructor personality, grades awarded and students’ tastes and preferences, have
been found to influence (albeit in varying degrees) the evaluation of teaching by
students. This has therefore put the validity and reliability of scores from such
evaluations into question.
The study was carried out using the explorative descriptive design; and used the
probability sampling technique to collect data. Stratified probability sampling was used
as second and third year students provided feedback for the research study. The data was
collected using questionnaires and processed using the SPSS statistical method then
analysed in percentages.
Findings from the study indicated that majority of the students (85.8%) understand the
reason for evaluating teaching to be improvement of teaching and learning. On factors
considered in SETE, instructor personality and extent of learning are considered the
most important factors at 86.6% and 85.8% respectively. Majority of the students (87.2)
are in favour of the use of the SETE process in the university to evaluate teaching
effectiveness.
This research study will be of immense contribution to the field of SETE, especially
here in Strathmore University. It will help guide decision making with regard to
improvement of instruction; as well as matters pertaining to staff appraisal. The findings
from this study will also help other institutions of higher learning within the country and
beyond.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Education Management
Keywords
Teaching effectiveness, Strathmore University, Evaluation, Instruction, Ratings