Teacher evaluations important to both instructors, students

We've all seen them: the bubble sheets that mean that it's time to evaluate our courses and professors. They can be tedious and they're certainly time consuming, but what many don't seem to realize is how valuable the information gathered from them can be.

According to University policy, faculty members who are non-tenure track are required to complete course evaluations for all of their classes. These are then reviewed by the administration, as well as that faculty member's department chair and then are returned to the instructor.

For tenured faculty, the rules are a bit different. With tenure, evaluations are only required for that instructor's three-year post-tenure review. After that, tenured faculty members don't have to distribute evaluations if they don't want to.

I find this policy to be fair. However, I feel that it does fall down in some places. Faculty members that choose not to distribute evaluations are missing out on what could be valuable feedback.

I understand that in some cases, evaluations get forgotten or there isn't time within the course schedule. However, there are other times when I believe that what the students have to say could be very helpful. Perhaps a course needs to be restructured or a syllabus adjusted because students weren't as successful as they could be. How would a professor know this if he or she didn't get any feedback from students?

As a student, I feel more validated when I am asked for my opinion. Evaluations (or for that matter, a simple survey on Blackboard) show me that my instructor cares about my learning experience and wants to make it better for the next round of students. Everyone learns differently and it is important to gauge that among one's classes. We, as the recipients of the course experience, should value and take seriously the opportunity to express our opinions about a faculty member's performance. Our responses can be constructive criticism and could help improve a course for future students.

So, what I'm trying to get across is that tenured faculty should do evaluations on a regular basis. For those of you who already do, thank you. For those who don't, consider it. It can't hurt. Students: take ownership of your education. If you have a criticism or critique, use the course evaluation as a place to express it. What we say is important; it does get reviewed, and it does make a difference. Let's utilize all of the tools we can to improve our learning experience.