The validity of Student Course Evaluations

Read these comments first:
Student Course Evaluations Get An 'F'.
Student evaluations of teaching are not only unreliable, they are significantly biased against female instructors.


 Winter 2016 Term - Student Course Feedback Survey
 W2016
Algonquin College  
AC  
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    Responses / Expected:   52 / 73 (71.23%) 
Focus: Overall Results
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The Curriculum

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
SAAUDSD N Mean
Q1 This course integrates educational technologies (e.g. online learning tools, e-classroom audio-visual equipment, etc) in support of my learning. 46.2%44.2%5.8%1.9%1.9% 52 4.3
Q2 Course learning activities (e.g lectures, discussions, practical work, group work, etc) are varied. 33.3%56.9%7.8%2%0 51 4.2
Q3 The course learning requirements for this course are clearly stated so that I know what to do to be successful in this course. 53.8%36.5%7.7%1.9%0 52 4.4
Q4 The required course materials (e.g. textbooks, manuals, software, etc) are used in the course. 48.1%36.5%9.6%1.9%3.8% 52 4.2
Q5 Opportunities exist to link the course material to the real world or workplace setting. 48.1%36.5%9.6%5.8%0 52 4.3
Q6 The methods used to evaluate my performance are clearly outlined in writing. 46.2%40.4%7.7%5.8%0 52 4.3
Q7 Course learning activities are linked to the course learning requirements. 51.9%42.3%1.9%3.8%0 52 4.4
Q8 All of the course learning requirements are covered in the course. 46%44%8%02% 50 4.3
Q9 The professor’s expectations for this course are clearly stated so that I know what to do to be successful in this course. 52.9%31.4%11.8%2%2% 51 4.3
Q10 The methods used to evaluate my performance are are linked to the course learning requirements. 43.1%45.1%9.8%2%0 51 4.3
Responses: [SA] Strongly Agree=5 [A] Agree=4 [U] Undecided=3 [D] Disagree=2 [SD] Strongly Disagree.=1 
The Course

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
EVGGSNS N Mean
Q11 Overall, please rate the quality of this course 42.3%30.8%19.2%5.8%1.9% 52 4.1
Responses: [E] Excellent=5 [VG] Very Good=4 [G] Good=3 [S] Satisfactory=2 [NS] Not Satisfactory=1 
 
Q12 - What did you like most about this course?
Response Rate: 82.69%   (43 of 52)
- Linux is a very key knowledge for people who want to work in IT environment
- This course introduced me to an interesting operating system. Although while it's interesting, it's also very complex.
- The capabilities of a keyboard and a command line
- The course flows in a logical manner that allows students with no prior experience with GNU/Linux to learn and develop basic skill with the operating system
- Practical tools needed in the industry.
- I came into this classroom with absolutely zero knowledge of Linux, and am now leaving it with what a feel is great starting understanding of how Linux works and what I can do with it.
- The challenging assignments.
- Was fun to work on the CLS.
- It gives a good base for the beginners.
- It was all brand new so I liked learning new things. I also liked that most of the course was practical (most of the work that is). The assignments were really good. I just would have like to seen a bit more practical situation examples but overall very very good.
- Learned a lot. Pretty difficult if you don't have a pile of time to throw into the course. Overall pretty good.
- interesting
- No comment.
- labs
- The hands on materials with his server
- Lab section and class
- Learning the commands.
- Opportunities to improve your grade with bonus labs, quizzes, etc.

- The fact that I'm learning a new Operating system.
- i like the way the teacher engages with the students. its not just standing but he also uses the linux server to demonstrate how things work
- This course is very interesting
- I liked CLS
- I Like the most compact nature and easily availability of professor . I enjoyed studying Linux.
- the application in real world.
- Great teacher period.
- linux and fundamental
- Learning about the Linux server. I was completely new to it coming in.
- Ian's enthusiasm
- the course is very interesting and provide many knowledgeable for newcomers
- Opportunities of having the bonus assignments to have a better grade
- All the hands on learning.
- Ian is an awesome teacher. I found his assignments pretty challenging but if you struggle through them you learn a lot.
- The Course was well structured, and laid out. The notes covered the topics well and between them and the related assignments I walked away with a much better understanding of the material. Unlike other courses relatively little rote memorization was necessary, and I could clear understand the logic behind the questions and their answers. The course was 'low tech' after a fashion, but in this case it worked.
- Professor Ian Allen was an amazing help, especially in Labs
- teacher is enthusiastic
- Ian was great.
- muffin at the begin of the course
- This course provides a comprehensive look at the operation of Linux-based operating systems. Not only does this course provide many of the core skills needed to use command line Linux, but it also teaches many of the essential skills
- Professor's method of teaching
- teaching style
- Gives a good chance for hands on work in the course.
- scripts
- Notes
 
Q13 - How could the course be improved to be of benefit to future students?
Response Rate: 71.15%   (37 of 52)
- Read all the words in each assignment and test
- The course could have more ways to learn the content. Such as videos or maybe an e-textbook.
- A graphical introduction on how linux actually work. most people have never seen a command line. i believe it would increase their interest if they saw how it works.
- Clarify the phrasing of some of the assignments that are not worded in a clear ans siscinct manner
- nothing, its great
- Some of the web pages could be a bit shorter.
- Install Emacs on the CLS for users who prefer it.
- Nothing to change
- I reallly realllly dislike how most of the marks come from theory (which is basically useless in the real world compared to the assignments). The assignments should be worth WAY more than they are, there should be an SPA for marks, the theory is basically memorization which I really dislike because it shows no creativity and no problem solving skills which are very important from what I understand.
- It has a very heavy course load. Maybe dropping the load a little bit.
- All professor should have mentoring skills, especially Ian, which he lacks completely. He's too much of a nerd.
- its at is best level
- Get better notes, way to confusing to follow along
- The way idallen studies is so brilliant
- Maybe allow the students to make notes before clearing the screen.
- Final exam sum of 40% is very high.
- if we had more time to work on assignments, and if we didn't have as many assignments.
- i would strongly recommend to reorganize and condense the notes. it is way too much to read.
- For me the course was excellent
- Too many different links in the notes. very hard to read through them.
- Course can be improved by making it more practical and fun for studies.
- N/A
- every is perfect to me
- Notes could be more in your face.
- nothing it all good
- very knowledgeable to become an sysadmin
- Not make me take a survey that is optional to see my grades.
- It didn't really seem like a lot of the students knew how difficult this course was going to be.
- see below
- Shorter assignments, less strict marking based on things that don't at all matter to our knowledge of the subject material (specific instructions on scantron cards that do not matter, or shouldn't matter).

Also, The wording on some of the assignments given was sometimes difficult to understand, but this was minor.

- navigation through site could be simpler...
- A better website where notes are posted.
- increase your coffee consummation.
- It'd be cool if the course incorporated a lesson on how to install something like Ubuntu or CentOS either at the beginning or the end of the course (which could be done in the VMWare software we use in our Network Operating Systems class). It might be a little outside the scope of the course, but it could be a way to get some students experimenting with Linux over the summer and sharpening their skills.
- it covers practical aspect but can be more practical for better understanding
- I didn't like the fact that you were marked less for attempting a solution compared to not doing it at all.
- Discuss the scope of the assignments in the lab to clear any misunderstandings.
The Student

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
A1MOTO>S<N0 N Mean
Q14 I attend classes (e.g. lectures, theory): 40.4%44.2%5.8%7.7%1.9% 52 4.1
Q15 I attend labs (e.g. practical component): 54.9%21.6%11.8%11.8%0 51 4.2
Responses: [A1] Always (100%)=5 [MOT] Most of the Time(>75%)=4 [O>] Often (>50%)=3 [S<] Seldom (<50%)=2 [N0] Never (0%)=1 
The Student

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
N1-23-56MT1 N Mean
Q16 Outside of scheduled class and hybrid hours,I spend the following number of hours (on average each week) on this course: 1.9%11.5%40.4%28.8%17.3% 52 3.5
Responses: [N] None=1 [1-2] 1-2=2 [3-5] 3-5=3 [6] 6-10=4 [MT1] More than 10=5 
The Student

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
ABCDF N Mean
Q17 I expect to earn a final grade in the following range: 34.6%30.8%30.8%1.9%1.9% 52 3.9
Responses: [A] A=5 [B] B=4 [C] C=3 [D] D=2 [F] F=1 
The Student

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
EFO N Mean
Q18 My first language is: 63.5%7.7%28.8% 52 1.7
Responses: [E] English=1 [F] French=2 [O] Other=3 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
SAAUDSD N Mean
S1 Delivery 47%41.4%8%2.7%1% 515 4.3
C2 The Curriculum 47%41.4%8%2.7%1% 515 4.3
Responses: [SA] Strongly Agree=5 [A] Agree=4 [U] Undecided=3 [D] Disagree=2 [SD] Strongly Disagree.=1 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
EVGGSNS N Mean
C1 The Course 42.3%30.8%19.2%5.8%1.9% 52 4.1
Responses: [E] Excellent=5 [VG] Very Good=4 [G] Good=3 [S] Satisfactory=2 [NS] Not Satisfactory=1 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
A1MOTO>S<N0 N Mean
S1 Self-Reflection 47.6%33%8.7%9.7%1% 103 4.2
C2 The Student 47.6%33%8.7%9.7%1% 103 4.2
Responses: [A1] Always (100%)=5 [MOT] Most of the Time(>75%)=4 [O>] Often (>50%)=3 [S<] Seldom (<50%)=2 [N0] Never (0%)=1 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
N1-23-56MT1 N Mean
C1 The Student 1.9%11.5%40.4%28.8%17.3% 52 3.5
Responses: [N] None=1 [1-2] 1-2=2 [3-5] 3-5=3 [6] 6-10=4 [MT1] More than 10=5 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
ABCDF N Mean
C1 The Student 34.6%30.8%30.8%1.9%1.9% 52 3.9
Responses: [A] A=5 [B] B=4 [C] C=3 [D] D=2 [F] F=1 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

CST8207 - 10
Responses (%) Course
EFO N Mean
C1 The Student 63.5%7.7%28.8% 52 1.7
Responses: [E] English=1 [F] French=2 [O] Other=3 

 

 Winter 2016 Term - Student Course Feedback Survey
 W2016
Algonquin College  
AC  
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    Responses / Expected:   52 / 73 (71.23%) 
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The Professor

ALLEN, IAN D
Responses (%) Individual
SAAUDSD N Mean
Q1 Covers all elements of the course outline. 52.9%45.1%2%00 51 4.5
Q2 Demonstrates a good knowledge of the subject area. 78.8%17.3%1.9%1.9%0 52 4.7
Q3 Relates to students in ways which promote mutual respect, supports student learning and success. 46.2%42.3%5.8%5.8%0 52 4.3
Q4 Communicates clearly. 57.7%25%9.6%7.7%0 52 4.3
Q5 Helps me understand and apply information. 50%30.8%9.6%7.7%1.9% 52 4.2
Q6 Provides opportunities for me to participate in the course. 50%32.7%11.5%5.8%0 52 4.3
Q7 Provides timely feedback that helps me to improve my performance. 51.9%36.5%7.7%3.8%0 52 4.4
Q8 Evaluates my performance fairly. 53.8%32.7%7.7%3.8%1.9% 52 4.3
Q9 Uses class time effectively including starting and ending classes on time, 67.3%30.8%01.9%0 52 4.6
Q10 Is prepared and organized. 71.2%26.9%1.9%00 52 4.7
Q11 Is available for consultation (e.g. email, office hours, appointments, phone, etc) 56.9%39.2%3.9%00 51 4.5
Responses: [SA] Strongly Agree=5 [A] Agree=4 [U] Undecided=3 [D] Disagree=2 [SD] Strongly Disagree.=1 
Capstone Questions

ALLEN, IAN D
Responses (%) Individual
EVGGSNS N Mean
Q12 Overall, please rate the effectiveness of your course professor 53.8%25%15.4%3.8%1.9% 52 4.3
Responses: [E] Excellent=5 [VG] Very Good=4 [G] Good=3 [S] Satisfactory=2 [NS] Not Satisfactory=1 
 
Q13 - What did you like most about the professor?
Faculty: ALLEN, IAN D
Response Rate: 82.69%   (43 of 52)
- He is quite professional and funny. Do love to participate his class even the class becomes harder and harder
- The professor communicates very effectively.
- He gives everything for his course and he makes you
- He cares about the students ability to learn and grasp the materials. He is approachable and after demonstrating reasonable effort on assignment materials provides excellent assistance with questions.
- Energetic and genuinely loves what he does.
- The professor is the Willy Wonka of Linux commands.
- Explains things clearly, covers topics thoroughly.
- Lots of enthusiasm.
- He explains and demonstrate the way the beginner can understand the course, covers examples as much as he can to make students understand the concept. Friendly, approachable and treat all students unbiased. Encourage students to attend the lecture.
- He's great, he can be a little over the top, which some people take the wrong way, but I think it just shows passion and he truly does care. I like him a lot even if he is a bit weird. He clearly knows his stuff and has built this course in to a German machine.
- He is a very smart and knowledgeable Prof. He is a little too much sometimes.
- inspiring
- He's a fascinating, entertaining and animated person during lectures.
- funny
- Very helpful in helping understand his terrible notes
- He is good in nature and course knowledge.
- I like how Ian explains stuff and his drawing are very helpful when it comes to the midterms and final exam.
- Enthusiastic in lectures and labs. Always available to help students. Very good at explaining.
- His relaxed mood and cheerful demeanour.
- extremely knowledgeable about the subject
- Strong knowledge and background of program
- He explains so well and with examples.
- CLS
- He teach more with details and goes very fast.
- he has good sense of humour.
- Delivery is excellent.
- excellent
- If you actually pay attention and listen to everything Ian says and writes down. You're basically getting the answers to everything in the class.
- he gave us many chances to improve our lab grades
- explains very well
- Really good teacher knows his ****.

* Inappropriate words were found and removed from this response.

- Ian is an awesome teacher his course challenges you if your a beginner but is not impossible and he will still give you opportunities to do well if you work hard.
- see above
- Professor Ian Allen was an amazing help, especially in Labs.

His website also blows the doors off blackboard.

- Very enthusiastic, makes for a better learning experience
- Always on time and funny.
- energy
- Ian is eccentric in a good way. He puts a lot of effort into helping students succeed in the course in ways many students may not even realize, from the extensive documentation on his website to the assignment checking programs on the course Linux server. He builds his course with the same attention to detail and desire for efficiency that us future systems administrators should be striving for. Despite the introductory nature of the course itself, it's clear that Ian has an incredibly deep understanding of the Linux operating system and the associated world of free and open source software. Ian really is exactly what an ideal Linux professor should be.
- personality
- teaching style
- The professor is really enthusiastic about the course and really into what he is teaching.
- Funny, entertaining, and knows his stuff.
- gives a lot of practice questions
 
Q14 - What, if anything, could the professor do differently to be of benefit to future students?
Faculty: ALLEN, IAN D
Response Rate: 71.15%   (37 of 52)
- I strongly recommend professor use time in lab class to explain his assignment overall. I believe most of students have troubles to fully understand his assignment and then complete it, so his explanation after assignment due date would be benefit students to master related knowledge.
- The professor could improve on assisting students when they are in need of help. He would question you about reading the instructions of the assignment, and tell you to read them over again until you understand. He could save lots of time by explaining it on the spot, rather than telling us to read the instructions again. Sometimes instructions aren't clear, and need to be explained better.
- The way he writes the notes. They need to be more simple, he repeats himself a lot
- Enable students to print the assignments to refer to. For students like myself, reading on from a monitor is difficult and takes approximately double the time required to read and understand the materials.
- Nothing.
- Install Emacs.
- Sometimes I felt in lecture notes professor used too many words to explain simple things, where he is short of words when it is actually required. Also it is not just Read all the words as he always mention in the class, You might also need to read the professor while reading his words to understand him correctly.
- I would say again just weight the assignments more and have an SBA, hold more controlled exam environments with less noise and distraction.
- Maybe not be so in your face all the time.
- Not talk so fast during lectures. He moves to quickly through the course material. Also, Ian's response when emailed for help with an assingment isn't helpful because the example provided are the same as on his website. So, if there's a concept I don't understand, I'm stuck having to go to other websites to look for solutions or clerity. He's website isn't dumb down enough for me to understand quickly enough. It requires too much time to go through some of his course metarial to understand what I need to complete the assignment in a timely manner. Anygow, when he does provide help, it's only after exchanging multiple emails which takes hours, sometimes days.
- he is good in all ways!!
- Get better notes that are easier to follow along
- He is brilliant.
- Maybe slow down to give the students a chance to write it down before clearing the screen.
- All is well.
- I would love if he would be more understanding
- i found it better to learn off the virtual vm ware as i installed ubuntu. so maybe have students install vmware
- Provide more manually drawn out examples instead of working from posted notes only.
- He can give more examples to student due to which it becomes more interesting to study.
- notes
- Go with slower speed
- N/A
- every thing is perfect
- The notes could be more easier to access. A bit overwhelming using the external website.
- Just give us our grade
- no
- Be a little bit more understanding and shorten assignments.
- I would request videos to go with the scripting. I found I did the best when I went to lectures and then watched the lydia videos but there weren't any for scripting.
- I understand that the following opinion is both entirely personal and not shared by the majority of my classmates, I should say this at the outset. On a personal level I find Ian incredibly frustrating, the performance (I'm assuming it's a performance, the alternative is considerably more troubling) is both incredibly annoying and deeply unhelpful. I understand many other students find it funny or endearing but I find that the near constant theatrics detract from my ability to engage with the material. I believe that a certain amount of this problem can be attributed to a personality conflict (I came to dread the moment he would enter the classroom), but I also feel that a more 'toned down' version of his behavior would be better suited to the course material.
- The wording on some of the assignments had me re-reading sentences weekly. If the assignments could be presented in anything but a wall of text, it would benefit the student experience immensely.
- change format of site...
- The website he uses sucks.
- slow down on the energies drink at 8 am in the morning
- I really can't think of anything. Ian is an excellent teacher.
- can serve chocolates in class who give some difficult answers
- ~
- Some might find his actions a bit intimidating, thus discouraging timid individuals from approaching him.
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

ALLEN, IAN D
Responses (%) Individual
SAAUDSD N Mean
S1 General Questions 57.9%32.6%5.6%3.5%0.4% 570 4.4
C2 The Professor 57.9%32.6%5.6%3.5%0.4% 570 4.4
Responses: [SA] Strongly Agree=5 [A] Agree=4 [U] Undecided=3 [D] Disagree=2 [SD] Strongly Disagree.=1 
Results Summary by Question Category/Sub-Category
Question Categories / Sub-Categories

ALLEN, IAN D
Responses (%) Individual
EVGGSNS N Mean
C1 Capstone Questions 53.8%25%15.4%3.8%1.9% 52 4.3
Responses: [E] Excellent=5 [VG] Very Good=4 [G] Good=3 [S] Satisfactory=2 [NS] Not Satisfactory=1