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Professors advocate online evaluations |
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Tuesday, 07 November 2006 |
by MILLIE TOLLESON
News Reporter
Editor’s Note: This is the second article of a two-part series on ratemyprofessors.com.
To combat the data they call “biased” on ratemyprofessors.com, professors of sociology and social work Dr. Beth L. Davison and Dr. Jammie L. Price are promoting the idea of a university-run Web site to Appalachian State University’s Faculty Senate.
Dr. Colin T. Ramsey, chair of the Welfare of Students Committee of the
Faculty Senate, said the committee is reviewing the idea of a
university-run Web site to display faculty evaluations.
“We’re still in the discussion phase…but I think it likely that the
faculty as a whole will be interested in what comes of these
discussions,” Ramsey said.
Davison said the lack of monitoring who is posting comments and when in
the semester they are posting is one flaw of ratemyprofessors.com.
“People are posting at the beginning of the semester after only one
week in the class,” Davison said. “There are also some alumni posting.”
Associate anthropology professor Dr. Diane P. Mines said the Web site
does not inform students on the actual content of the course.
“It is clearly a place for people who are angry,” Mines said. “There
are students commenting on other students comments as a defense for a
professor they liked.”
Price said many universities across the nation are adopting the idea of making student evaluations available online.
They include the University of Idaho, California State University,
Fresno State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University
and the University of Southern Indiana.
Price said Appalachian State could require all students to complete
end-of-semester evaluations online before receiving their final grade.
This information could then be summarized and provided for students to review.
“If it was electronic, it would save the university money [in paper and
labor costs] and students would have access to
ratemyprofessors.com-type data,” Price said.
Davison said some professors might prefer to opt out of a university-run Web site.
“We anticipate the most protests will come from faculty. Students will love it,” Davison said.
Mines said she would not protest her end-of-semester evaluations being posted on a Web site.
“I wouldn’t have a problem with that,” Mines said. “Both faculty and
students should have a say in constructing the questions and should
work together to produce the best possible document.”
Ramsey mentioned a new feature on ratemyprofessors.com that allows students to upload pictures of their professors.
“The Web site has begun encouraging students who post reviews to
secretly snap pictures of their professors using cell phone cameras,”
Ramsey said. “This is an invasion of privacy and serves no legitimate
academic purpose.”
Ramsey recommends students utilize what he calls the “old-fashioned way
for students to get the inside scoop on professors and courses; ask
around among those you know and whose judgment you trust.”
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