Information for Students
Why do course evaluations exist?
One objective of the course evaluations is for instructors to receive feedback from the students in order to continually improve their instruction. Another reason is that the results enable the TU Dresden to assess the teaching situation and to develop strategies for improving the teaching. Section 7, paragraph 4 of the Evaluation Regulations of the TU Dresden (in conjunction with § 9 paragraph 3 of the SächsHSG) forms the legal basis of the course evaluation.
Why is my participation important?
Participation from each student is extremely important being as the instruction at the TU can only be improved through constructive criticism. Do not hesitate to ask the instructor to address the evaluation results at the end of the semester (approximately one month after the survey). The instructor is expected to present the results in one of the lectures. The results are valuable for you as a student as well as the instructor.
When do the course evaluations take place?
The time period for the written course evaluations is standardized for the entire TU Dresden. The evaluation time period occurs approximately in the second third of the lecture period. Deadlines are necessary to ensure that the results of the surveys can be discussed by the respective instructors and students of each course together at the end of the lecture period.
How are the courses to be evaluated selected?
The selection of the courses to be evaluated is the responsibility of the study commission.
Is my anonymity ensured?
To ensure the anonymity of students, questionnaires for courses in which less than 10 completed questionnaires have been received will not be evaluated within the framework of the project „Evaluation of Instruction“. In the case that a course has less than 10 participants, these questionnaires will be destroyed in compliance with data security regulations. The number on the bottom left of the questionnaire has the sole purpose of informing the scanning program about the document template. This number is identical on all questionnaires of the same course. It is therefore not possible to infer information about specific individuals from this number.
How is the protection of my data guaranteed?
Research in the social sciences is subject to the strictest requirements regarding data protection laws. Arrangements were made with the authorized data protection commission, whose directions and regulations were heeded and will be adhered to. All of our employees were informed in this regard.
What happens with my answers?
Each answered question is important! It is only possible to obtain scientifically and academically sound insights when a sufficient number of people participate in the survey. The results of the survey are sent to the instructors, as well as to the study commission, when a Consent Form exists. The instructors are supposed to present the results in the respective course at the end of the lecture period. Furthermore, a discussion of the results takes place amongst the study commission. They then present their conclusions in the yearly report of the study commission and in the teaching report of the faculty and department.
Why are the results of all course evaluations not posted publically (for example on a notice board)?
The instructors also have a right to the protection of their personal data. The student assessment of the quality of the teaching belongs to this as well. The results can only be posted publically when the instructor has submitted a Consent Form regarding this subject.
What can I expect to achieve as a student with my answers?
A central objective of the course evaluation is the assessment and improvement of the quality of the courses. With your criticism you are able to help improve the study courses at the TU Dresden.