DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

TA EVALUATIONS

 

TAs are formally evaluated by students and by the course instructor each term.  They may request informal feedback from students, mentor TAs and instructors at any time.

 

Student evaluations

The student evaluations are required by the University for all instructors (including TAs) in any course.  The students give written answers to a set of questions that you will find in the attached sheets.  These comments are anonymous.  The instructor summarizes these student evaluations and writes his or her own evaluation, which then becomes a part of the TAÕs file.

Evaluations must be done in the 7th week of term (university rule).  In the 6th week of the term, you will receive information from the main office about how to assemble a set of the evaluation forms.  These forms are in the grad student break room in pockets on the wall, along with envelopes that you must label.  Set aside time in class for the students to fill out the sheets.  They are not to be filled in at home, and should not leave the room.  Ten minutes at the beginning of class should be sufficient.  Although the end of class may seem more convenient, the beginning is better, as some students may leave.  Distribute the forms, and ask a student volunteer to collect the completed forms and return them to the Physics office WGR 301 immediately, not after the class (it takes no time to run upstairs, and students have been known to forget, and walk off with the evaluations if they wait to the end of class!).  If you have an evening lab, instruct the student volunteer to drop the evaluations in the mail slot in the door of WGR 301 (the forms must not go home).  LEAVE THE ROOM DURING THE EVALUATION PROCESS.  You are not permitted to be present when the evaluations are being filled in, nor may you be in possession of the completed evaluations at any time.  Lab TAs: do not stray far from the lab during evaluations – you need to be immediately available if problems arise if students continue their lab work during this time.  Check with the main office to be sure that the evaluations were turned in.

The main office has been instructed not to accept individual evaluations that students might try to turn in.  If a student has missed an evaluation opportunity, and strongly wishes to turn one in, that student should see the Chair.

The student evaluations are usually very frank, and are almost always a reliable indicator of TA performance.  Student criticism is usually constructive, and negative comments tactfully stated.  However, there are occasionally inappropriate comments, sometimes even hostile ones.  If there is cause for concern, consult the instructor or department chair.

 

Instructor evaluation:

Instructors evaluate your effectiveness as a TA by observing your lab and/or recitation sections, your participation in mentoring activities, and by their interactions with you in meetings and general discussion.  They also receive the written student evaluations, and may receive verbal feedback from the students.  On the evaluation form (attached), instructors summarize the student written evaluations. They add their own comments on your performance.  This evaluation becomes part of your file. 

 

When can you review your evaluations?

The student written evaluations are returned to you after the term is over (ask the instructor for them if you donÕt receive them).  The instructor evaluation is part of your confidential file, but the instructor should review it with you, letting you know what strong points have been noted and what you need to work on.  You are entitled to ask the instructor for feedback on your performance, and are encouraged to do so.  If you do not receive the student evaluations or instructor feedback, please discuss the matter with the Graduate Advisor.

Instructor evaluation of TA                                            Physics Department, Oregon State University

 

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT EVALUATION SUMMARY

(To be completed by Instructor)

 

Course#_____________            Section#_____________              Date______________________

 

Lab                    Recitation               (circle one)

 

 

______________________________________     _______________________________________

                     Teaching Assistant                                                   Course Instructor

 

 

A.  Summary of student questionnaires.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.  Summary of Instructor's Evaluation.

Instructor: On the reverse is a form to fill in evaluating separate aspects of the TA's performance.  The space below is for any comments that do not fit into that format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.  Summary of InstructorÕs Evaluation (cont'd)

(Instructor:  Rate these 7 items, checking any criteria where issues/strengths are noted, commenting as appropriate.)

 

 

TAÕs Effectiveness as a Teacher

 

1.   Preparation (circle one): --->                          Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  On time to class?                                   ______________________________________________________

      ___  Knows the physics?                                ______________________________________________________

      ___  Knows the lab manual/text?                     ______________________________________________________

      ___  Knows the lab apparatus?                       ______________________________________________________

      ___  Knows course policies and news?             ______________________________________________________

      ___  Specific, aligned plan for each session?     ______________________________________________________

 

2.   Classroom Management (circle one): --->        Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  Uses class time efficiently?                       ______________________________________________________

      ___  Distributes individual attention evenly?      ______________________________________________________

      ___  Good rapport with students?                    ______________________________________________________

      ___  Adjusts well to circumstances?                 ______________________________________________________

 

3.   Communications Skills (circle one): --->         Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  Legible writing?                                                ______________________________________________________

      ___  Audible speaking?                                  ______________________________________________________

      ___  Able to offer multiple explanations?          ______________________________________________________

      ___  Coherent structure to presentations?         ______________________________________________________

 

 

TAÕs Professionalism

 

4.   Preparedness Outside of Class (circle one): -> Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  Present/available for full term?                ______________________________________________________

      ___  On time to meetings and events?               ______________________________________________________

      ___  Organized and informed?                                    ______________________________________________________

      ___  Current and prepared for office hours?      ______________________________________________________

 

5.   Contribution to the Course (circle one): --->    Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  Fair and conscientious grading?               ______________________________________________________

      ___  Timely and secure reporting?                   ______________________________________________________

      ___  Proactive suggestions to improve course?   ______________________________________________________

 

6.   Contribution to the Team (circle one): --->      Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  Responsive (reachable; prompt replies)?     ______________________________________________________

      ___  Rapport with instructor and fellow TAs?   ______________________________________________________

      ___  Availability for unforeseen needs?                         ______________________________________________________

      ___  Leadership/support of fellow TAs?                        ______________________________________________________

 

7.   Continuing Development (circle one): --->       Exceeds Expectations          Meets Exp.          Does Not Meet Exp.

 

      ___  Participation in TA seminar/events?          ______________________________________________________

      ___  Observation of mentors?                          ______________________________________________________

      ___  Acting as mentor?                                  ______________________________________________________

Student evaluation of TA         Physics Department, Oregon State University

 

TA NAME:______________________

 

 PH CLASS_______________________

 

LAB_______RECITATION__________

 

DAY_______SECTION#_____________

 

 

  1. What qualities of your TA do you regard as good or outstanding?

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Are there areas in which your TA needs improvement?  Please be specific.  In particular, if you marked any item in the agree/disagree questions with a ÒdisagreeÓ, please explain your reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

3.    Do you have any other helpful comments about this TAÕs performance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Do you have any other helpful comments how to improve the lab/recitation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student evaluation of TA                        Physics Department, Oregon State University

 

 

Agree or Disagree Questions:

 

 

  1. The lab/recitation objectives and requirements were clearly presented to me.

 

 

  1. The TA was well prepared and organized.

 

 

  1. The TAÕs speaking style was clear, audible and understandable.

 

 

  1. The TAÕs explanations to the entire section helped me to understand the labs or recitations.

 

 

  1. The TA was effective in providing individual instruction and assistance.

 

 

  1.  The TA was enthusiastic about teaching physics/astronomy.

 

 

  1.  The TA was fair and impartial in dealing with me.

 

 

  1.  The TA encouraged me to think for myself.

 

 

  1. The TA showed patience and willingness to help.

 

 

  1. All things considered, I would recommend that a friend take a lab/recitation from this TA.

 

 

  1. I did enjoy the material presented in this lab/recitation.

 

 

  1. The TA used good interpersonal communication skills.

 

 

  1. Overall, the TA was an effective instructor