Midterm Assessment of Instruction - Questions

(adapted from University of Oregon’s Midterm Assessment of Teaching Item Bank)

Instructors: Look over the questions below and construct your own Midterm Assessment of Teaching for anonymous, informal student feedback. Select questions relevant to the instructional issues you want to assess, and delete the rest—highlight the rows you want to delete, then right click and select “Delete Row.”

If possible, limit yourself to no more than 30 questions.

Course #, CRN #

Disagree / Agree
Course Organization/Management
1. My instructor's assignments, grading criteria, and course policies on late assignments, absence, and cheating are clearly spelled out in the syllabus. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
2. I understand how my learning will be assessed in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
3. I have confidence in how my instructor handles the class and deals with problems and disruptions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
4. My instructor is well-prepared for each class. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
5. At the beginning of each class, my instructor lets us know what we will be accomplishing for this class period. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
6. I have a clear sense of the major themes for this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
7. My overall understanding increases because my instructor summarizes each class session and explains how this material leads into the next presentation. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
8. New terms, concepts and principles are always highlighted and effectively defined. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
9. The mix of teaching methods (individual and group activities, class presentations, lecture, discussion, etc.) is appropriate for this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
10. My instructor explains difficult concepts using illustrations and examples that have relevance to my experience. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
11. My instructor highlights his/her presentation with visual elements (slides, photos, graphs, charts, demonstrations) which illustrate well and enrich the material. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
12. My instructor effectively relates this course to the practical world. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
13. My instructor checks in with us regularly during class to see if we are understanding what's being presented. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Developing Student Relationships
14. I appreciate that my instructor has made the attempt to learn and use our names in class. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
15. I feel welcomed, valued and respected in this classroom. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
16. I am encouraged to respect and appreciate my fellow students in this class. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
17. My instructor is always available during his/her office hours, through e-mail and/or by appointment. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
18. I do not feel intimidated about going to see my instructor during office hours. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
19. One-on-one, my instructor is able to explain things clearly and help me identify main points and central issues. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
20. My instructor does a good job of relating this course to students' lives and personal values. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
21. I feel my instructor is genuinely interested in my success in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
22. My instructor is often available before class begins and at the end of class to answer my questions and concerns. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
23. My instructor responds well to individual differences (i.e. age, gender, ability, race, sexual orientation). / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
24. My instructor treats everyone in the class with equal respect. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
25. My instructor politely/effectively handles disruptive students. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Communication
26. I have no problem hearing, following and understanding my instructor. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
27. I have no problem hearing, following and understanding the contributions of fellow students in class. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
28. My instructor listens carefully to comments and questions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
29. My instructor makes it clear that s/he expects other students to listen and respond to students' questions and comments. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
30. Through my instructor's effective use of eye contact, I feel included in the discussion/presentation of course material. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Critical Thinking
31. In this course I learn useful strategies for approaching complex questions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
32. I frequently find myself actively engaged in thinking about difficult questions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
33. Taking this course has improved my ability to evaluate new information. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
34. My ability to analyze the central ideas of this course has improved. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
35. I have improved in my ability to give sound reasons for my beliefs and opinions regarding issues raised in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
36. As a result of taking this course, I find that I am able to consider fairly a variety of perspectives on an issue. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
37. My interest and curiosity about the issues and questions in this subject area has grown. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
38. My thinking is more focused and systematic, at least in this subject area. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
39. I am encouraged to explore of the central ideas and relationships in the course content. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
40. The assignments (tests, readings, projects, papers, classroom activities) in this course frequently engage me in / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
higher level thinking. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
41. I have learned how to listen to and learn from people who hold very different opinions from my own. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
42. This course has helped me learn to think about questions that have many possible answers. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
43. This course helped me evaluate alternative solutions to a problem. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Questioning
44. My instructor values and encourages student questions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
45. My instructor frequently allows time for us to grapple with questions rather than providing us with all the answers. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
46. I find my instructor's questions relevant/thought-provoking. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
47. If students have difficulty with the way a question is phrased, my instructor rephrases the question rather than answering it. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
48. My instructor often answers student questions with a new question which helps us get closer to finding the answer ourselves. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
49. My instructor gives us opportunities to create our own questions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
50. The instructor acknowledges everyone's questions and contributions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
51. I never feel stupid asking questions in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Discussion
52. Most students get involved in our class discussions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
53. Our class discussions are not just question/answer periods with the instructor. Instead, students talk, listen and respond to each others' ideas and opinions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
54. Our discussions are well-facilitated. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
55. The tone has been set in our class for encouraging everyone to participate and respect each other's contributions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
56. Our instructor helps us learn effective group discussion skills in order to have more productive discussions which include the majority of the class. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
57. My instructor deals effectively with students who either dominate the discussion or never contribute. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
58. My instructor provides a variety of ways for students to earn participation credit in this class through verbal contributions, email, office hours, or written comments which are turned in to him/her. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
59. Discussions are a valuable part of my learning in class. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
60. An appropriate amount of my course grade is based on my contributions to class discussion. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
61. My instructor provides structure and incentives to encourage us to be well-prepared for discussions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
62. My instructor prepares us well for discussions dealing with sensitive issues. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
63. My instructor welcomes and encourages diverse points of view in discussions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Lecture
64. My instructor lectures at a pace which is comfortable for taking good notes. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
65. Lecture material in this course is well-organized, interesting and engaging. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
66. My instructor helps me relate the course material to things which are relevant to my knowledge and experience. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
67. My instructor stops periodically during the lecture to be sure the class understands the material. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
68. If there is confusion during a lecture, my instructor provides clarification and alternative examples. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
69. I am always clear on what will be covered for each lecture. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
70. I feel encouraged to ask questions during the lecture. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
71. My instructor creates an atmosphere that encourages balanced, back-and-forth discussion. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
72. When questions are asked, my instructor gives students adequate time to think and formulate a response. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
73. My instructor seeks interaction from the entire class and not just a few willing or dominant individuals. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
74. My instructor uses a variety of presentation techniques (visuals, stories, examples, humor, engaging questions) to keep my attention refreshed. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
75. My instructor effectively engages the class through skillful presentation skills and enthusiasm for the topic. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
76. At regular intervals in the lecture, my instructor pauses to summarize and emphasize important concepts and main points. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
77. My instructor provides a lecture outline/notes prior to class which help me prepare and focus on the content for each lecture. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
78. At different points in the lecture, my instructor provides opportunities for me to reflect on the material presented, write on an interesting question, discuss questions with another student (s), or work on a problem with a small group. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
79. My instructor takes the time at the beginning of the lecture to put that day's topic into a "big picture" context for the course. This helps me integrate material from one lecture to the next. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Group Work
80. I learn a lot working in small groups. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
81. Group work is a useful/interesting part of this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
82. Small group discussions in this class are more productive for me than large group discussions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
83. My instructor organizes small group work that effectively uses class time. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
84. Group assignments, quizzes and/or tests are graded fairly. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
85. My grade in the course is not penalized by group grades. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
86. My instructor designs our assignments/projects to encourage accountability among all members of the group. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
87. Our group activities provide unique and important learning opportunities which are not possible when working alone. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
88. My instructor helps me understand the value of group learning and provides opportunities for students to develop effective group learning skills. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
89. I have a clear understanding of expectations for our group assignments and projects. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
90. I have a clear understanding of each group member's responsibilities. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
91. My instructor helps us handle problems which arose within our groups. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Instructional Technology
92. My instructor provides a website which is an integral and dynamic component of the course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
93. The course website is well-designed and easy to navigate for the information I need. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
94. I find e-mail a useful channel through which to communicate with my instructor. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
95. The ability to interact with other students in the course through electronic communication (e-mail, listserv, Moodle) allows me to participate more, get additional help, and enjoy the course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
96. I am able to get all the training and assistance I need to handle the computer-related components of this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
97. I feel the computer-related assignments in this course are well-designed, useful and relevant. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
98. The computer-related assignments in this course do not take an unreasonable amount of time to complete. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
99. The use of instructional technology in this course adds value to my learning. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Office Hours
100. I am frequently encouraged to come to my instructor's office hours. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
101. I know where my instructor's office is and feel comfortable going there with questions. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
102. In office hours, I feel that my instructor really listens to me and gives me as much time/attention as I need. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
103. My instructor provides information about outside resources for additional help in the course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Materials
104. The materials (texts, handouts, websites) I receive in this course are necessary, relevant and useful. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
105. My instructor provides supplementary material which enriches the text and lectures. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
106. I find the materials and activities selected for this course interesting and thought-provoking. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
107. My instructor's guidance helps me determine what in our course materials is most significant and important. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Assignments
108. I understand the purpose of all course assignments. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
109. I understand the relevance of the assignments we are given to the goals of the course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
110. This instructor offers assignments which allow us to explore our individual interests in the subject area. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
111. I feel that I have adequate time to complete assignments. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
112. I am clear on what my instructor expects from me when she/he gives an assignment. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Papers
113. My instructor's expectations for writing assignments in this course are clearly explained. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
114. My instructor is available for paper-writing help. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
115. I believe that the expectations for writing assignments in this class are reasonable. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
116. My writing has improved as a result of this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
117. My instructor wants me to be a better writer and is doing all she/he can to help me write more clearly. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
118. Our instructor provides resources for those of us who need additional help with research techniques and writing papers. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
119. I understand the grading criteria for papers in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
120. I receive feedback on papers which is timely and useful. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
121. I feel that I am given a fair amount of time to complete paper assignments. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Creative Projects
122. The creative assignments in this class were stimulating and useful. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
123. This class is enriched by offering an optional and challenging creative assignment. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
124. My instructor clearly communicates the expectations for creative assignments while leaving the room for my / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
creativity. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
125. My instructor grades creative assignments fairly. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Exams
126. I am able to prepare well for the exams in this course because my instructor stresses what is important to know. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
127. I understand how the exams in this course reflect the course objectives. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
128. The testing format for the course is no surprise. We are given quizzes or assignments early in the term which reflect the testing format for midterms and finals. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
129. My instructor's exams offer me an opportunity to really demonstrate what I have learned in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
130. Alternatives are provided for students who have special needs regarding testing. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
131. It would be difficult for students to cheat on these exams in this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
132. I am given enough time to take these exams. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
133. My instructor provides adequate opportunities to go over exam results. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Evaluation
134. My instructor provides performance indicators throughout this course, so that I do not feel in the dark about how I am doing. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
135. Assignments, quizzes, tests, papers, and projects are graded and returned in a timely manner. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
136. The feedback my instructor gives me on assignments, papers, and exams is thorough and helpful. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
137. Along with good, critical feedback, my instructors suggests ways to improve my performance. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
138. My instructor takes time to acknowledge good performance on assignments, tests, and projects. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
139. I feel the grading in this class is consistent and fair. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Lifelong Learning
140. I may not remember all the facts, but this class taught me to think more critically about issues in this field. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
141. My instructor's enthusiasm and passion has encouraged me to study this field further. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
142. This class has inspired me to think about things differently than I did before I took this course. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
143. This course has helped me develop a new perspective. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Student Information

144. Class: (1) freshman (2) sophomore

145. Sex: (1) male (2) female

146. Grade point average: (1) 0-1.49 (2) 1.50-2.49 (3) 2.50-2.99 (4) 3.0-3.49 (5) 3.50-4.00

147. Hours per week I study for this course: (1) 0-2 (2) 3-5 (3) 6-8 (4) 9-11 (5) 12+

148. Number of times I have come to office hours for help: (1) never (2) 1-2 (3) 3-4 (4) 5-6 (5) more than sixtimes

149. The grade I expect to receive in this class is: (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (5) F

Open-Ended Questions

150. Please let your instructor know what in this course and his/her teaching was most valuable to your learningexperience.

151. What constructive advice do you have for your instructor on ways this course could be improved?

152. Please use the additional space to clarify any of your responses or to make other comments.

Would you like to change the wording of any questions? If so, please list the number, as well as the new wording:

Would you like to add some of your own questions? If so, how would you like them to read?

1. Name:

2. Department:

3. E-Mail:

4. Course Number/Title:

(e.g. CS 443 User Interfaces)

5. Number of Students :

6. Date You Plan to Administer your MAT:

7. Date You Plan to Respond to Your Students: