Steps To Take To Increase Response Rates for Course Evaluations
- Include the evaluation period (2 weeks before finals) in course syllabi.
- Ask students to be on the lookout for emails from [email protected].
- Emphasize the significance of course evaluations and let students know that their responses matter.
- Monitor and communicate course response rates to students during class.
- Schedule time in a computer lab during class when students can use laptops or tablets to complete electronic evaluations. Important note: Just like with paper evaluations, if class/lab time is set aside to complete evaluations, instructors must leave the classroom while students complete evaluations.
- During the evaluation period, give an assignment or exam through Blackboard so that students are reminded to complete evaluations through Blackboard pop-ups.
- Encourage students to download the mobile app and complete course evaluations using their smartphones or tablets. The mobile app can be downloaded at these links:
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evaluationkit-mobile/id511463047?ls=1&mt=8
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=EvaluationKIT
- Provide incentives (for example points toward a participation grade) for students who complete the evaluations. Or, if not for individual students, provide incentives for entire classes that receive a 100% response rate. Each student receives a confirmation email after they have completed each course evaluation. Students print this confirmation email and share it with instructors as proof that they have completed the course evaluations. Or, the Institutional Research and Testing office can assist students with verification that evaluations have been completed.
- Have classes complete electronic evaluations at the beginning (as opposed to the end) of class. Instructors can show the overall response rate for an entire class by pulling up Blackboard using an overhead projector and computer. Response rates are displayed in real time, so, as students complete evaluations, the rates go up. Some instructors have been successful by telling students that they will move forward with class once the response rate reaches 90-100% (depending upon absences). Note: In keeping with the University’s long-standing practice with course evaluations, faculty must leave the classroom while evaluations are being completed.