Best Practices and Sample Questions for Course Evaluation Surveys (2024)

• The instructor was well prepared for class.
• Individual class meetings were well prepared.
• The instructor used class time effectively.
• The instructor was organized, well prepared, and used class time efficiently.
• The instructor communicated clearly and was easy to understand.
• The instructor encouraged student participation in class.
• The instructor presented course material in a clear manner that facilitated understanding.
• The instructor effectively organized and facilitated well-run learning activities.
• The instructor’s teaching methods were effective.
• The instructor’s teaching methods aided my learning.
• The instructor stimulated my interest in the subject matter.
• The instructor provided helpful feedback.
• The instructor provided feedback in a timely manner.
• The instructor returned assignments and exams in a timely manner.
• The online course platform was updated and accurate.

• The instructor effectively explained and illustrated course concepts.
• The instructor’s feedback to me was helpful and improved my understanding of the material.
• I was able to access the instructor outside of scheduled class time for additional help.
• The instructor was available to students.
• I could get help if I needed it.
• The instructor cared about the students, their progress, and successful course completion.
• The instructor created a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
• The instructor treated students with respect.

• The lectures, readings, and assignments complemented each other.
• The instructional materials (i.e., books, readings, handouts, study guides, lab manuals, multimedia, software) increased my knowledge and skills in the subject matter.
• The text and assigned readings were valuable.
• The workload consisted of less than two hours outside of the classroom for each hour in class.
• The course workload and requirements were appropriate for the course level.
• The course was organized in a manner that helped me understand underlying concepts.
• The course assignments (readings, assigned problems, laboratory experiments, videos, etc.) facilitated my learning.
• The assigned readings helped me understand the course material.
• Graded assignments helped me understand the course material.
• The tests/assessments accurately assess what I have learned in this course.
• Exams and assignments were reflective of the course content.
• The course was well organized.
• The course followed the syllabus.
• The instructor grades consistently with the evaluation criteria.
• The course environment felt like a welcoming place to express my ideas.

• I attend class regularly.
• I consistently prepared for class.
• I have put a great deal of effort into advancing my learning in this course.
• In this course, I have been challenged to learn more than I expected.
• I was well-prepared for class/discussion sections.

• This class has increased my interest in this field of study.
• This course gave me confidence to do more advanced work in the subject.
• I believe that what I am being asked to learn in this course is important.
• The readings were appropriate to the goals of the course.
• The written assignments contributed to my knowledge of the course material and understanding of the subject.
• Expectations for student learning were clearly defined.
• Student learning was fairly assessed (e.g., through quizzes, exams, projects, and other graded work).
• Exams/assignments were a fair assessment of my knowledge of the course material.
• The grading practices were clearly defined.
• The grading practices were fair.
• The examinations/projects measured my knowledge of the course material.
• This course was challenging.
• This course made me think.
• What grade do you expect to earn in this course? Options for this question: A-AB, B-BC, C, Below C, Unsure

Text in “{}” should be changed to match the specific course learning outcomes (CLO).

• This course helped me {develop intellectual and critical thinking skills}.
• This course improved my ability to {evaluate arguments}.
• This course helped me {argue effectively}.
• My ability to {identify, formulate, and solve problems} has increased.
• My understanding of {basic chemical transformations, reactivity, and properties} has increased.
• My ability to {recognize the relationship between structure, bonding, and the properties of molecules and materials} has increased.
• I am capable of {locating, evaluating, and using information in the literature}.
• I am confident in my ability to {communicate chemical knowledge effectively}.
• I understand {professional and ethical responsibility related to data storage}.
• This course helped me analyze {relations among individual, civil society, political institution, and countries}.
• The coursed helped me {further develop my writing ability}.
• The course improved my {verbal communication skills}.
• The course increased my ability to {collaborate and work in teams}.
• The course increased my {intercultural knowledge and awareness to help me become a global citizen}.

UW Essential Learning Outcomes

• This course enhanced my knowledge of the world (e.g., human cultures, society, sciences, etc.).
• This course helped me develop intellectual skills (e.g., critical or creative thinking, quantitative reasoning, problem solving, etc.).
• This course helped me develop professional skills (e.g., written or oral communication, computer literacy, teamwork, etc.).
• This course enhanced my sense of social responsibility.

• I would highly recommend this instructor to other students.
• I would recommend this instructor to others.
• Overall, this instructor met my expectations for the quality of a UW-Madison teacher.
• I would highly recommend this course to other students.
• I would recommend this course to others.
• Overall, this course met my expectations for the quality of a UW-Madison course.
• This course had high educational impact.
• This course was useful in progress toward my degree.

• Do you have any specific recommendations for improving this course?
• What are one to three specific things about the course or instructor that especially helped to support student learning?
• What are the strengths of this course?
• What parts of the course aided your learning the most?
• What are one to three specific things about the course that could be improved to better support student learning?
• What parts of the class were obstacles to your learning?
• What changes might improve your learning?

• Assignments and tests handled by the TA were returned with useful feedback.
• The TA was willing to explain grading and evaluation of my work.
• The TA knew and was confident in the material related to this course.
• The TA was adequately prepared for discussion sections.
• The TA was clear in presenting subject matter.
• The TA presented the material in an interesting and engaging way.
• The TA fostered intellectual communication among my peers.
• The TA was able to adequately prepare students for assignments (examination, book reviews, research papers, etc.).
• The TA stimulated thought and discussion.
• I felt comfortable asking my TA questions.
• The TA was willing to answer questions.
• The TA was able to answer questions clearly and completely.
• The TA effectively utilizes electronic communication (e.g., Learn@UW, Canvas, email, etc.).
• The TA is well-prepared for each meeting.
• The TA is flexible and adapts the learning environment when things do not go according to plan.
• The TA was available during offices hours or by appointment.
• The TA arrives to class on time.
• The TA was committed to teaching and aiding students.
• The TA is an effective teacher.
• If given the opportunity, I would enroll in a section led by my TA again.
• Overall, the TA performed well.

Qualitative, open-ended response

• Are there distinctive qualities about the TA that you would like to highlight?
• What are one to three specific things that your TA does particularly well to support student learning?
• What might your TA do to improve his/her teaching?
• What are one to three specific things that you would like to see your TA improve to better support student learning?