Supplemental Questions/Data Bank

 

The lists of questions in this Data Bank have been compiled and adapted from a variety of sources, including data banks used at The University of Western Sydney and Curtin Technical University, Australia; Syracuse University, New York; and Queen’s University. All are designed for a five-point answer scale, where 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree.

 

These questions are intended to provide information to instructors for teaching improvement purposes and are therefore quite specific.  Instructors should select items related to their individual teaching approaches and objectives. Assistance with selecting appropriate items, or formulating alternative ones, is available from the PCTC.

 

If you formulate your own questions in a particular category, or develop other categories of questions and you wish to share them with your colleagues, please forward to the PCTC (pctc@mta.ca) and we will include them in this online Data Bank.

PCTC acknowledges the Centre for Academic and Instructional Development at Saint Mary’s University for making this databank available to us.

 

Index

 

Student Learning

            Student Outcomes

                        Cognitive

                        Critical Thinking

                        Interests and Values

                        Social Awareness

                        Self-Concept

            Collaborative Learning / Group Work

            Student Effort and Involvement

Teaching Practice

            Organization and Preparation

            Communication

            Faculty/Student Interaction

Course Elements

            Grading

            Examinations

            Textbook

            Assignments

                        Reading Assignments

                        Writing Assignments

                        Oral Presentation Assignments

                        Computer-Based Assignments

            Audiovisual Aids (charts, movies, videos, slides, models, etc.)

            Technology Usage

            Course Difficulty, Pace, and Work Load

Specific Activities

            Guest Speakers

            Field Trips

            Research and Field Projects

Special Instructional Settings

            Team Teaching

            Laboratory Sessions

            Discussion/Recitation Sections

            Teaching Assistants

            Community-Based and Service Learning / Co-op Placements

            Graduate Seminar

Research Supervision (honors projects, masters’ theses, and doctoral dissertations)

Miscellaneous

 

 

Student Learning

 

Student Outcomes

 

Cognitive

 

I gained an understanding of major concepts in this field.

I learned to apply principles from this course to new situations.

I learned to identify central issues in this field.

I improved my ability to problem solve.

I improved my ability to think creatively.

I developed the ability to communicate clearly about this subject.

I developed the ability to carry out original research in this field.

I developed the ability to evaluate new work in this field.

I learned to think critically about issues in this field.

This course helped me think independently about the subject matter.

I became more aware of multiple perspectives on issues in this field.

I found this class intellectually challenging.

My learning increased in this course.

I made progress toward achieving course objectives.

I learned more in this course than I had expected.

 

Critical Thinking

 

This course helped me develop skills in gathering and using evidence to support an argument or position.

In this course, I learned to identify problems and explore different solutions.

As a result of this course, I am better able to differentiate between fact and opinion.

I learned to evaluate the quality of others’ arguments and positions by taking this course.

As a result of this course, I began to challenge the opinions of others.

I feel better able to defend an argument or a position as a result of taking this course.

As a result of this course, I began to question some of my long-standing assumptions.

I gained analytical skills in this course that I can apply to other courses.

As a result of this course, I feel better able to challenge current practices in the field.

 

Interests and Values

 

My interest in this subject area has increased.

I looked forward to coming to class.

I discussed related topics outside of class.

I voluntarily read outside material on the course content.

I plan to take additional related courses.

I developed a set of overall values in this field.

I learned about career opportunities in this field.

 

Social Awareness

 

I developed a greater awareness of societal problems.

I became interested in community projects related to this course.

I learned to value different viewpoints.

I reconsidered some of my former attitudes.

I increased my appreciation of other students in the class.

I developed an understanding of people of other economic, social, racial, or ethnic backgrounds.

Index

Self-Concept

 

I gained a better understanding of myself through this course.

I developed a greater sense of personal responsibility through this course.

This course increased my awareness of my own interests and talents.

This course helped me develop more confidence in myself.

I developed a clearer sense of my professional identity.

 

Collaborative Learning / Group Work

 

I understood the objectives of the group work.

The directions for group work were clear.

I actively participated in group work.

I learned from the contributions of other students.

I felt included when working with other students.

My contribution to the group was valued.

I helped other students learn.

The instructor helped groups work effectively.

My contribution to the group was fairly assessed.

The methods of evaluating group work were fair.

The credit given for the group project was appropriate for the effort required.

Group work contributed to my learning.

 

Student Effort and Involvement

 

I attended class regularly.

I studied and put effort into this course.

I was prepared for each class.

I participated actively in class discussions.

I utilized all the learning opportunities provided in this course.

I tried to relate what I learned in this course to my own experiences.

I worked harder on this course than on most courses I have taken.

I feel that I performed up to my potential in this class.

 

Teaching Practice

 

Organization and Preparation

 

The objectives of the course were clearly explained.

The instructor followed the course syllabus.

The instructor seemed well prepared for each class.

The instructor used class time well.

The instructor’s presentations were well organized.

Class discussions were well organized.

Class sessions were clearly connected to previous and subsequent sessions.

The instructor clearly defined the students’ responsibilities in this course.

 

Communication

 

The instructor’s presentations were clear and understandable.

The instructor spoke at an appropriate pace.

The instructor spoke with expressiveness and variety in tone of voice.

The instructor had a good command of spoken English (or the language used in the course).

My interest in the subject matter was enhanced by the instructor’s enthusiasm.

The instructor seemed genuinely interested in the course material.

The instructor seemed to enjoy teaching.

The instructor slowed down when discussing complex or difficult topics.                                Index

The instructor made good use of examples and illustrations.

The examples used to explain course concepts had relevance for me.

The instructor summarized or emphasized important points in class.

The instructor related the course to students’ experiences and backgrounds.

Course concepts, principles, and ideas related to my experiences and background.

The instructor helped students develop an interest in the material.

The instructor related theories and concepts to practical issues.

Course ideas were integrated with concepts I had previously learned.

The instructor presented diverse approaches to problems and their solutions.

When appropriate, the instructor presented divergent viewpoints.

The instructor used a scholarly approach in presenting content (referring to theory, research, and debates in the field).

 

Faculty/Student Interaction

 

The instructor treated students with respect.

The instructor treated all students fairly.

The instructor maintained an atmosphere of civility in the class.

I was comfortable asking questions in this class.

I had the opportunity to participate in class discussions.

The instructor was open to contributions from all class members.

The instructor valued the diversity of life experiences among students.

The instructor saw cultural and personal differences as assets.

The instructor challenged stereotypic assumptions in class discussions.

The instructor accepted viewpoints other than her/his own as valid.

My questions were satisfactorily answered by the instructor.

The instructor was flexible in dealing with students.

The instructor seemed concerned about whether students learned the material.

The instructor promoted a feeling of self-worth in students.

The instructor developed a good rapport with me.

The instructor made me feel that I am an important member of this class.

The instructor motivated me to do my best work.

The instructor provided me with an effective range of challenges.

The instructor offered specific suggestions for improving my weaknesses.

The instructor helped me realize my full ability.

My learning and success in this course were important to my instructor.

I felt confident that I could achieve in this course.

The instructor was skillful in observing student reactions.

The instructor was sensitive to student difficulty with course work.

The instructor accommodated students with various learning needs.

The instructor accommodated the needs of students with disabilities.

The instructor was available during office hours.

The instructor was accessible to students via email.

I was able to communicate with my instructor via email.

The instructor responded to students’ emails in a timely manner.

 

Course Elements

 

Grading

 

The grading system was clearly explained.

I understood how my grade was determined for this course.

The instructor had a realistic definition of good performance.

The type of assessment used in this course was appropriate for the course objectives.

I had many opportunities to demonstrate what I learned in this course.

My final grade in this course was based on a variety of assignments and other assessments.

The instructor adequately assessed how well students mastered the material.                       Index

The instructor provided helpful feedback on my work.

The instructor provided prompt feedback on my work.

The instructor kept students informed of their progress.

I was aware of my academic progress throughout the course.

I was encouraged to learn from my mistakes in this course.

My grades accurately reflect my performance in the course.

I was encouraged to assess my own work in this course.

 

Examinations

 

The class activities prepared me for the exams.

The exam questions were worded clearly.

I understood the exam questions.

The exams gave students an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned.

The exams reflected the objectives of the course.

Exams emphasized understanding rather than memorization.

Exams were returned within a reasonable period of time.

Timely return of the exams permitted me to clarify course content before further assessment.

I was able to benefit from the feedback on my exams.

Answers to the exam questions were adequately explained after the exam.

I learned from the mistakes I made on the exams.

Exams were reasonable in length.

Exams were reasonable in difficulty.

The instructor took reasonable precautions to prevent cheating on the exams.

Enough time was provided to complete the exams.

 

Textbook

 

The textbook helped me understand course concepts.

The textbook was easy to understand.

The textbook presented various perspectives on issues.

A textbook would be a useful addition to this course.

 

Assignments

 

Reading Assignments

 

The purpose of the reading assignments was clear.

The assigned readings were at an appropriate level for me.

The reading assignments were relevant to the course objectives.

The reading assignments covered material from diverse perspectives.

The reading assignments were interesting.

The reading assignments made students think.

The assigned readings were well integrated with course topics.

The reading assignments required a reasonable amount of time and effort.

I spent an appropriate amount of time completing reading assignments for this course.

 

Writing Assignments

 

Writing assignments were relevant to course objectives.

Directions for writing assignments were clear.

I was able to select interesting topics for my writing assignments.

Writing assignments were interesting.

Writing assignments were challenging.

Writing assignments encouraged the inclusion of diverse perspectives.

I enjoyed incorporating various perspectives into my writing assignments.

The instructor was available to work with students individually on their writing.                        Index

Writing assignments required a reasonable amount of time and effort.

I spent an appropriate amount of time on the writing assignments for this course.

The criteria for grading the writing assignments were clear.

I understood the criteria used in evaluating my writing assignments.

Writing assignments were evaluated fairly.

Writing assignments were returned promptly.

I was able to use my instructor’s comments to improve my writing.

The writing assignments helped me improve my writing ability.

My confidence in writing has increased.

The instructor communicated a sense of enthusiasm about writing.

 

Oral Presentation Assignments

 

The criteria for developing an effective presentation were clearly outlined.

I understood the directions for the presentation assignments.

Directions for presentation assignments were clear.

Oral presentation assignments were relevant to course objectives.

Student presentation assignments were interesting.

I was able to select interesting topics for my presentation assignments.

I was challenged by the presentation assignments.

I had sufficient access to the resources I needed to complete my presentation assignments.

Student presentation assignments required a reasonable amount of time and effort.

I spent an appropriate amount of time preparing my presentation assignments.

My oral presentations were evaluated fairly.

The instructor’s comments helped improve my speaking skills.

I used the instructor’s comments to improve my speaking skills.

The presentation assignments helped me become a better public speaker.

The presentation assignments increased my confidence in public speaking.

 

Computer-Based Assignments

 

I had no difficulty accessing the computer-based assignments.

I understood the objectives for the computer-based assignments.

The instructor provided the necessary instructions to complete each computer-based assignment.

I understood the directions for the computer-based assignments.

The instructor clearly explained the various aspects of each computer-based assignment.

The instructor helped me gain the skills that I needed to complete the computer-based assignments.

I developed the skills necessary to complete the computer-based assignments.

I found the computer-based assignments interesting.

I was challenged by the computer-based assignments.

I had enough time to complete the computer-based assignments satisfactorily.

My computer-based assignments were evaluated fairly.

The instructor provided helpful feedback on my computer-based assignments.

I used the instructor’s feedback to improve the quality of my work.

The credit given to computer-based assignments was appropriate for the effort required.

Learning to use presentation software for assignments in this class contributed to my learning.

Learning to create a web page to complete assignments in this class contributed to my learning.

 

Audiovisual Aids (charts, movies, videos, slides, models, etc.)

 

Audiovisual aids used in this course were stimulating.

The instructor generally used the audiovisual aids effectively.

The audiovisual aids were a valuable part of this course.

The audiovisual aids used in this course were effective in helping me learn.

Index

Technology Usage

 

The use of the computer enriched my learning experience in this class.

The instructor clearly explained expectations for use of electronic communication tools in this course.

The instructor effectively used electronic presentations as a basis for student participation in class.

The instructor effectively used a discussion board/listserv in this class to engage students in class participation.

I was able to actively participate in the class due to the use of computer technology.

The instructor effectively used instructional technology as a basis for group work in class.

Instructional technology used in this course was well integrated with course topics.

Instructional technology used in this course contributed to my learning.

The instructor clearly explained the purpose of the course web pages.

The course web pages were well organized.

I found the instructor’s updates to the on-line syllabus helpful.

The course web pages were relevant to the course objectives.

Computer labs were a valuable part of this course.

Computer tutorials were a valuable part of this course.

Support from staff in computer labs was effective.

There was sufficient access to computing resources for this course.

 

Course Difficulty, Pace, and Work Load

 

The amount of information covered in this course was reasonable.

The instructor set reasonable standards for students.

The course content was presented at a satisfactory level of difficulty.

I found the course challenging enough to be stimulating.

Prerequisite courses adequately prepared me for taking this class.

The instructor made sure that students understood the current topics before moving onto new concepts.

I understood the current topics before we moved onto new concepts.

The amount of work required for this course was appropriate for the credit received.

The intensity of the instruction was appropriate for my level of understanding.

 

Specific Activities

 

Guest Speakers

 

The guest speakers addressed issues relevant to the course.

The guest speakers contributed to my understanding of the course.

The presentations by the guest speakers were interesting.

The guest speakers were effective presenters.

I was able to apply the guest speakers’ presentations to course content.

The guest speakers contributed to my learning.

 

Field Trips

 

The field trips were relevant to the course objectives.

I was able to relate the field trip experiences to the course content.

The field trips were of instructional value.

The field trips were well planned.

The field trips were useful learning experiences.

The field trips made a valuable contribution to my learning.

 

Index

 

Research and Field Projects

 

I clearly understood the goals of the research/field project.

The field experience enabled me to develop a better understanding of the research process.

The instructor explained new research techniques.

The instructor adequately prepared me for the experience that I encountered in the field.

My research/field project was an excellent opportunity to apply course concepts.

The instructor clearly communicated expectations for the research reports.

My research/field project provided opportunities for learning that closely matched my interests.

I was challenged by the research/field project.

The research/field experience gave me insight into the application of research in current practice or policy.

The research/field project was valuable to my professional development.

 

Special Instructional Settings

 

Team Teaching

 

The team teaching approach was effectively used in this course.

Instruction was well coordinated among the instructors.

The instructors involved in team teaching appeared compatible.

Course content was effectively presented within the team teaching approach.

The team teaching approach met my learning needs.

Team teaching provided me with diverse insights into the course content.

The team teaching method provided me with a valuable learning experience.

 

Laboratory Sessions

 

The laboratory instructor was concerned with safety.

The laboratory sessions were well organized.

The use of laboratory equipment was adequately explained.

The laboratory equipment was effectively set up.

I had appropriate and working equipment available to conduct the laboratory exercises.

The laboratory room used for this course had adequate facilities.

I had sufficient access to the laboratory facilities to complete the laboratory assignments.

The laboratory instructor was available throughout the laboratory sessions.

Students received individual attention during the laboratory sessions.

Directions for laboratory assignments were clear.

I was challenged by the laboratory exercises.

Laboratory assignments required an appropriate amount of time and effort.

Laboratory assignments were reasonable in length.

Laboratory assignments were relevant to course objectives.

The laboratory exercises clarified lecture content.

Laboratory sessions were integrated with lecture topics.

The laboratory instructor thoroughly understood the laboratory experiments.

The laboratory instructor was available during office hours.

I understood the appropriate write-up format for laboratory reports.

Laboratory reports were evaluated fairly.

Instructor feedback on laboratory reports was helpful.

I used feedback on my laboratory reports to improve the quality of my work.

Laboratory reports were returned promptly.

The questions on the laboratory quizzes were a good representation of the material covered in laboratory sessions.

My laboratory techniques have improved.

Laboratory sessions increased my competence in using lab equipment and materials.

The laboratory sessions made an important contribution to my mastery of course content.

The laboratory was a valuable part of this course.                                                               Index

 

Discussion/Recitation Sections

 

I found the discussion section helpful to my learning.

The discussion section clarified lecture material.

The instructor raised challenging questions for discussion.

There was ample opportunity to ask questions in the discussion section.

The discussion instructor treated students fairly.

The discussion instructor demonstrated knowledge of the content.

The discussion instructor was available during office hours.

The questions on the discussion quizzes reflected what I was expected to know.

The discussion section prepared me for the examinations.

The discussion section was well integrated with the lecture.

The discussion section was a valuable part of this course.

 

Teaching Assistants

 

The Teaching Assistant was knowledgeable and competent regarding the assignment tasks required.

The Teaching Assistant gave clear explanations and provided assistance as required.

The Teaching Assistant was approachable and available to help students as required.

 

Community-Based and Service Learning / Co-op Placements

 

I participated in the community-based experience for at least the minimum amount of time required by the instructor.

The instructor clearly explained her/his expectations for the community-based learning experience.

I received an adequate introduction to the community site.

I received appropriate supervision at the community site.

I had sufficient access to resources at the community site to complete my assignments.

The instructor provided a meaningful connection between course concepts and the community-based learning experience.

The community-based experience was an excellent opportunity for me to apply course concepts.

The instructor discussed important ethical issues of working in the community.

I learned effective methods for dealing with conflicts and problems at the community site.

The instructor often referred to and drew on the students’ community experiences in class.

The instructor provided opportunities for the class to reflect in meaningful ways on the community-based learning experience.

The community-based experience taught me things that I could not have learned in the classroom alone.

 

Graduate Seminar

 

The instructor facilitated student involvement in the seminar.

The instructor stimulated productive class discussions.

I was actively engaged in the discussion process.

The instructor encouraged students to express their opinions.

I was comfortable expressing my opinion during discussions.

The seminar allowed me to learn from other students.

The class discussions contributed to my learning.

The instructor presented divergent viewpoints when appropriate.

The instructor was receptive to new ideas and others’ viewpoints.

Divergent viewpoints helped me to understand issues from different perspectives.

I was encouraged to think critically about ideas and issues presented during the seminar.

The instructor used a scholarly approach in presenting course content (presenting competing theories, research, and debates in the field).                                                                                                                          Index

I was exposed to current research and methods during the seminar.

I was intellectually challenged by the seminar.

The instructor was available for consultation with students.

 

Research Supervision (honors projects, masters’ theses, and doctoral dissertations)

 

My research advisor was knowledgeable about the research process.

My research advisor helped me refine my research ideas.

My research advisor guided the development of my research.

My research advisor was clear about expected outcomes at each stage of the process.

My research advisor demonstrated an open approach to different points of view regarding the problem being studied.

My intellectual curiosity about the research topic has increased.

My research skills were enhanced during the project.

I was encouraged to think critically throughout the research process.

I was able to consult with my research advisor when necessary.

I received timely feedback from my research advisor.

I received helpful feedback from my research advisor.

My research advisor was knowledgeable about the school/college and university research requirements.

My research advisor taught me scientific integrity.

My research advisor facilitated my understanding of ethical aspects of the research process.

My research advisor facilitated timely completion of my study.

 

Miscellaneous

 

My expectations for this course have been fulfilled.

I am satisfied with the quality of teaching in this course.

My experiences with this instructor have been positive.

I have a positive attitude to filling out this evaluation questionnaire.

Index