UW Seattle
Student evaluations of instruction have been conducted at the University of Washington (UW) since the 1920's. While early evaluations were undoubtedly somewhat informal, the current system utilizing optical mark scan forms, initiated in 1972, provides institutions with critical quantitative and qualitative information. Various forms of the questionnaire allow assessment of different instructional formats (e.g., large lecture, quiz section, lab, etc.), and a comment sheet allows students to give open-ended feedback. Course ratings provide information to faculty for instructional improvement, to students for selecting courses, and to chairs for decisions relating to promotion and tenure.
How do I order forms?
Early each quarter, order a set of evaluation questionnaires for the class(es) you wish to evaluate by:
- Asking your department to include your class on their request list.
- Submitting a request electronically.
- Mailing in a completed Course Evaluation Request. (29K PDF*)
- Faxing a completed request to (206) 543-3961.
- Dropping off a request at Mary Gates Hall 056.
Which form should I use?
Different forms were developed to evaluate various instructional formats, but the best way to choose a form is by reading the items to see which best address issues of concern to you.
| A Small Lecture / Discussion (66K PDF*) | H Lab (152K PDF*) |
| B Large Lecture (98K PDF*) | I Distance Learning (100K PDF*) |
| C Seminar / Discussion (98K PDF*) | J Clinical / Studio (92K PDF*) |
| D Problem Solving (99K PDF*) | K Project / Studio (100K PDF*) |
| E Skill Acquisition (98K PDF*) | L English as a Second Language (269K PDF*) |
| F Quiz Section (153K PDF*) | X Educational Outcomes (99K PDF*) |
| G Lectures / Assignments (97K PDF*) | Comment Form (19K PDF*) |
Who can use the Instructional Assessment System (IAS)?
Each instructor at UW Seattle may evaluate one course (up to 100 students) each quarter without charge, with the exception of Assistant Professors who may evaluate two courses. Evaluations beyond this quota are charged to the department.
How do I administer IAS evaluations?
Instructions (24K PDF*) to administer course evaluations are included with each packet of forms.
Can I add additional items?
IAS forms have provision for instructor-supplied items on the back of the forms. The Additional Item Template facilitates creation of an item master to print or photocopy onto evaluation forms.
How do I get my results?
A summary of your ratings will be sent to you through campus mail, along with the open-ended student comment forms by the end of the first week of the next quarter. Summaries are also sent to department chairs on request (yours or theirs) the third week of the next quarter.
How are results reported?
IAS course evaluations provide information used by instructors, students, and administrators. A variety of reports has been created to meet these diverse needs.
How can I compare my ratings with other UW Seattle Courses?
IAS Norms can be computed for individual classes based on the college/department, instructor rank, course level, and class size.
*Software capable of displaying a PDF is required for viewing or printing this document. Adobe Reader is available free of charge from the Adobe Web site at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
