This poster describes how student comments in course evaluations may be used in program reviews to assess the learning environment and classroom climate. We know that the learning environment affects learning outcomes. How students perceive that environment, how they experience the faculty member, characteristics of the course and the way it is delivered - these are critical and often captured in course evaluations, both in quantitative items and open-ended student comments. This information is generally used to evaluate the instructor; rarely, if ever, is it aggregated to reflect department- or program-level factors that impact learning. We offer ways to select samples of student comments, generate evaluation categories, assign comments to categories, and present the information in a usable summary form. We also provide examples of how such information has been used in program reviews, along with data that have resulted in actionable recommendations for improvement. Templates with categories and evaluation criteria will be provided.
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges & Universities, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501 (510)748-9001
