Analyzing Written Comments (Developed by the Center for Teaching Effectiveness, University of Texas, Austin)

In addition to plotting cross-semester results, an instructor can make an analysis of student written comments as well. We do this by laying out a matrix which groups written comments according to the overall course rating given by each student evaluator. (See below.) This provides a context for the comments. An instructor can see what kinds of comments were made by students who were in general satisfied with the course, and what kind were made by those who were dissatisfied. One can also sort comments according to overall student GPA or expected grade in the course or major status. This analysis of written comments sometimes helps to explain certain comments or to mitigate the effects of particularly strong negative comments, which might be confided to a small subset of a course.

Instructor Name: __________		WRITTEN COMMENTS ANALYSIS GRID - Negative Comments + Positive Comments		Course:________ No. Students: 50 Sem: Spring 2002
Rating of Course	Subject Matter	Organization / Clarity	Interaction	Dynamism / Enthusiasm
5	+ I really learned a lot! ****** - This should be a 3 hr course because of the amount of material.	+ Outlines were wonderful (3)	- Had a little trouble understanding the lecturer at times.	+ Great teaching (2) + I hope to take another course (2)
4	+ Tests were fair + Material was interesting ****** - Too much material is covered each class session. - Labs were very complex and difficult.	+ Explained the information very well + study guides were wonderful (4) + Typed outlines were very useful (2)	+ Takes time to really talk to the students (2) + Always willing to answer questions ****** - Slow down when lecturing	- Instructor gets a bit flustered when answering questions
3	+ Emphasized key points very accurately + Very interesting Course + I learned some valuable things ****** - The course should have prerequisites chemistry and biology	+ Presented material in a well prepared manner + Outlines were good (7) ****** - Switched topics very quickly	+ Responded to student questions with great interest and enthusiasm ****** - Lectured a little fast (4) - Should be more receptive to questions	- Need to tell students to come in the back door if they arrive late - Not a real effective teacher
...etc.