Additional Evaluation Methods
Regarding the course evaluations at the TU Dresden, it is foreseen that the results – with the permission of the instructors – are relayed to the appropriate study commission. In order to present the results in a more simple and clear fashion, a new format for lectures is now being developed by the ZQA in consultation with the Vice-Rector for Academic and International Affairs.
In the presentation of the results it is differentiated between five different aspects. These are the following:
Didactic Competence
- The instructor presents the goals of the lecture in an understandable manner.
- The instructor organizes the lecture well. There is a central theme.
- The instructor regularly summarizes the content of the lecture.
- The instructor is always ready to answer questions.
- The instructor comes across as dedicated and enthusiastic in the lectures.
- The instructor speaks clearly and is inspiring.
- The instructor is able to express complicated topics in a clear manner.
Level of the Lecture
- The amount of material covered in the lecture is...
- The pace of the lecture is …
Success in Learning
- The lecture motivates me to learn more about the subject matter on my own.
- I learn a lot by attending the lecture.
Overall Satisfaction
- Overall, I am satisfied with the lecture.
Managing one's Studies
- I regularly prepare for the lecture and/or review the lecture materials.
An average is ascertained for each of these five variables for the respective structural unit (faculty, discipline or institute). A minimum of 10 lectures with a minimum of 25 completed questionnaires each must be available for this, whereby these can stem from one or two semesters. The averages of each variable for a course are compared with the reference value of the structural unit and are tested for their statistical significance (α = 0,05). Significant deviation from these values results in a placement in a top or bottom bracket.
The following form of presentation is used to display the results. Through the use of colour, it is made visible to which bracket the course belongs – either the top, middle or bottom bracket.
Step by step, this additional offer will be expanded to include all structural units. For this form of presentation, a new declaration of consent is necessary from all instructors involved.