Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Student evaluation surveys: anonymous comments that offend or are unprofessional

  • Published:
Higher Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Student comments are routinely collected in university evaluation surveys for the purpose of improving teaching and learning. Whilst student comments provide valuable insights into their experiences, there is limited published research reporting the extent to which student comments are offensive and professional. The aim of this study was to investigate the number of student comments that were identified as being offensive or unprofessional in an online unit evaluation survey collected in a semester in 2010 from an Australian university. One person read 30,684 comments taken from 17,855 surveys and identified comments considered to be abusive or unprofessional. Comments were categorised as either abusive or unprofessional and by the intended target (that is, teacher, unit, resource). Thirteen abusive comments (0.04 % of the sample) were identified. Five abusive comments were directed at the teacher and eight were targeted at teaching and learning experiences. Forty-six comments (0.15 % of the sample) were identified as unprofessional. Of these, seven comments were directed at the teacher and 34 were about units. This suggests that the vast majority of students do not abuse the privilege of giving anonymous feedback. Strategies identified in this paper to educate students and give appropriate feedback can be adopted by universities to minimise offensive comments. Universities can educate students and teachers in appropriate and professional ways of working together, in providing professional feedback to improve the student experience in teaching and learning and to support and mentor teachers in their academic careers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abbott, R. D., Wulff, D. H., Nyquist, J. D., Ropp, V. A., & Hess, C. W. (1990). Satisfaction with processes of collecting student opinions about, instruction: The student perspective. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82(2), 201–206. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.82.2.201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abrami, P. C., d’Apollonia, S., & Rosenfield, S. (2007). The dimensionality of student ratings of instruction: What we know and what we do not. In R. P. Perry & J. C. Smart (Eds.), The scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education: An evidence based perspective (pp. 385–445). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alderman, L., Towers, S., & Bannah, S. (2012). Student feedback systems in higher education: A focused literature review and environmental scan. Quality in Higher Education, 18(3), 261–280. doi:10.1080/13538322.2012.730714.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alhija, F. N., & Fresko, B. (2009). Student evaluation of instruction: What can be learned from students’ written comments? Studies in Educational Evaluation, 35(1), 37–44. doi:10.1016/j.stueduc.2009.01.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthur, L. (2009). From performativity to professionalism: Lecturers’ responses to student feedback. Teaching in Higher Education, 14(4), 441–454. doi:10.1080/13562510903050228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrie, S., Ginns, P., & Symons, R. (2008). Student surveys on teaching and learning. Final report. Resource document. The Australian Learning and Teaching Council, Sydney. http://www.altc.edu.au/system/files/App%2011%20Student_Surveys_on_Teaching_and_Learning-Final_Report_for%20PDF_0.pdf. Accessed 10 July 2013.

  • Benton, S. L., & Cashin, W. E. (2012). Student ratings of teaching: A summary of research and literature. IDEA Paper No. 50. http://www.ntid.rit.edu/sites/default/files/academic_affairs/Sumry%20of%20Res%20%2350%20Benton%202012.pdf.

  • Braskamp, L. A., Ory, J. C., & Pieper, D. M. (1981). Student written comments: Dimensions of instructional quality. Journal of Educational Psychology, 73, 65–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, J., de Blois, P. B., & Oblinger, D. (2007). Academic analytics: A new tool for a new era. Educause Review, 42(4), 42–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chalmers, D. (2007). A review of Australian and international quality systems and indicators of learning and teaching. Resource document. Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. http://www.altc.edu.au/resource-review-indicators-teaching-learning-2007. Accessed 10 June 2013.

  • Chen, C.-M., & Chen, M.-C. (2009). Mobile formative assessment tool based on data mining techniques for supporting web-based learning. Computers & Education, 52(1), 256–273. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2008.08.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, S. K., & Chen, W. S. (2010). Surprises learned from course evaluations. Research in Higher Education Journal, 9. http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/10518.pdf.

  • Hardy, N. (2003). Online ratings: Fact and fiction. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 96(Winter), 31–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hendry, G. D., & Dean, S. J. (2002). Accountability, evaluation of teaching and expertise in higher education. The International Journal for Academic Development, 26(4), 327–414.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirschberg, J., Lye, J., Davies, M., & Johnston, C. (2011). Measuring student experience: Relationships between teaching quality instruments (TQI) and Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Resource document. Australian Learning and Teaching Council. Strawberry Hills, NSW. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-measuring-student-experience-melbourne-2007. Accessed 15 March 2013.

  • Hodges, L. C., & Stanton, K. (2007). Translating comments on student evaluations into the language of learning. Innovative Higher Education, 31(5), 279–286. doi:10.1007/s10755-006-9027-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, J., Gaffney-Rhys, R., & Jones, E. (2012). Handle with care! An exploration of the potential risks associated with the publication and summative usage of student evaluation of teaching (SET) results. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 1–20. doi:10.1080/0309877x.2012.699514.

  • Jordan, D. W. (2011). Re-thinking student written comments in course evaluations: Text mining unstructured data for program and institutional assessment. PhD dissertation, California State University, Stanislaus.

  • Knapper, C. (2001). Broadening our approach to teaching evaluation. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 88, 3–8. doi:10.1002/tl.32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lecky, J., & Neill, N. (2001). Quantifying quality: The importance of student feedback. Quality in Higher Education, 7(1), 19–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, K. G. (2001). Making sense of student written comments. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 87, 25–32. doi:10.1002/tl.25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W. (1982). SEEQ: A reliable, valid and useful instrument for collecting students’ evaluations of university teaching. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 52, 77–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W. (1987). Students’ evaluations of university teaching: Research findings, methodological issues, and directions for future research. International Journal of Educational Research, 11(3), 253–388. doi:10.1016/0883-0355(87)90001-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W. (2007). Students’ evaluations of university teaching: Dimensionality, reliability, validity, potential biases and usefulness. In R. P. Perry & J. C. Smart (Eds.), The scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education (pp. 319–383). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Massy, W. F., & French, N. J. (2001). Teaching and learning quality process review: What the programme has achieved in Hong Kong. Quality in Higher Education, 1, 34–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meade, P., & Woodhouse, D. (2000). Evaluating the effectiveness of the New Zealand Audit Unit: Review and outcomes. Quality in Higher Education, 6(1), 19–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson, K.-A., & Wahlén, S. (2000). Institutional response to the Swedish model of quality assurance. Quality in Higher Education, 6(1), 7–18. doi:10.1080/13538320050001036.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, B., Tucker, B., Gupta, R., & Yeo, S. (2008). eVALUate: An evaluation instrument for measuring students’ perceptions of their engagement and learning outcomes. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 33(6), 619–630. doi:10.1080/02602930701773034.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, B., Tucker, B., & Pegden, J. (2006). Analysing qualitative feedback using CEQuery and SPSS Text. Paper presented at the Evaluation Forum 2006, 28–29 November, Perth, Western Australia.

  • Oliver, B., Tucker, B., & Pegden, J. (2007). An investigation into student comment behaviours: Who comments, what do they say, and do anonymous students behave badly? Paper presented at the Australian Universities Quality Forum 2007, 11–13 July, in Hobart, Australia. Retrieved from http://www.auqa.edu.au/files/publications/auqf2007_proceedings_final_website_text.pdf. Accessed 5 March 2011.

  • Pan, D., Tan, G., Ragupathi, K., Booluck, K., Roop, R., & Ip, Y. K. (2009). Profiling teacher/teaching using descriptors derived from qualitative feedback: Formative and summative applications. Research in Higher Education, 50(1), 73–100. doi:10.1007/s11162-008-9109-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pegden, J., & Tucker, B. (2009). Student evaluation of their learning: Differences in male and female students’ perceptions of their units. Paper presented at the Australasian Higher Education Evaluation Forum 2009, 21–23 October, Byron Bay, Australia.

  • Perry, R. P., & Smart, J. C. (Eds.). (2007). The scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education: An evidence-based perspective. Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, J. T. E. (2005). Instruments for obtaining student feedback: A review of the literature. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 30(4), 387–415. doi:10.1080/02602930500099193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, G. (2005). Accessing the student voice: Using CEQuery to identify what retains students and promotes engagement in productive learning in Australian higher education. Resource document. University of Western Sydney. http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/publications_resources/profiles/documents/accessing_doc.htm. Accessed 10 September 2006.

  • Scott, G., & Hawke, I. (2003). Using an external quality audit as a lever for institutional change. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 28(3), 323–332. doi:10.1080/0260293032000059667.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shah, M., & Nair, C. S. (2012). The changing nature of teaching and unit evaluations in Australian universities. Quality Assurance in Education, 20(3), 274–288. doi:10.1108/09684881211240321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sheehan, E. P., & DuPrey, T. (1999). Student evaluations of university teaching. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26(3), 188–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorenson, D. L., & Reiner, C. (2003). Charting the uncharted seas of online student ratings of instruction. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 96, 1–24. doi:10.1002/tl.118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spooren, P. (2012). The unbearable lightness of student evaluations of teaching in higher education. PhD dissertation, University of Antwerp, Belgium.

  • Theall, M., & Feldman, K. A. (2007). Commentary and update on Feldman’s (1997) identifying exemplary teachers and teaching: Evidence from student ratings. In R. P. Perry & J. C. Smart (Eds.), The scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education (pp. 130–143). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, B. (2013a). Development of a student evaluation quality culture: The eVALUate experience at Curtin. CAA Quality Series No. 5. Enhancing student feedback and improvement systems in tertiary education: 16–33. https://www.caa.ae/caa/desktopmodules/qualityseries.aspx.

  • Tucker, B. (2013b). Student evaluation to improve the student learning experience: An Australian university case study. Educational Research and Evaluation, 19(7), 615–627. doi:10.1080/13803611.2013.834615.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, B., Halloran, P., & Price, C. (2013). Student perceptions of the teaching in online learning: An Australian university case study. Paper presented at the 36th HERDSA annual international conference, research and development in higher education: The place of learning and teaching, 1–4 July, Auckland, New Zealand.

  • Tucker, B., Jones, S., & Straker, L. (2008). Online student evaluation improves Course Experience Questionnaire results in a physiotherapy program. Higher Education Research & Development, 27(3), 281–296. doi:10.1080/07294360802259067.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, B., Jones, S., Straker, L., & Cole, J. (2003). Course evaluation on the web: Facilitating student and teacher reflection to improve learning. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 96, 81–93. doi:10.1002/tl.125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, B., Oliver, B., & Gupta, R. (2012). Validating a teaching survey which drives increased response rates in a unit survey. Teaching in Higher Education, 1–13. doi: 10.1080/13562517.2012.725224.

  • Tucker, B., Pegden, J., & Yorke, J. (2012). Outcomes and evaluations: Is there a relationship between indicators of student success and student evaluations of learning? In N. Brown, S. M. Jones & A. Adam (Eds.), 35th HERDSA annual international conference, 2–5 July, Hobart Australia. Research and development in higher education: Connections in higher education. Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Inc.

  • Zimmaro, D. M., Gaede, C. S., Heikes, M. P., & Lewis, K. G. (2006). A study of students’ written course evaluation comments at a public university. Resource document. University of Texas at Austin. http://ctl.utexas.edu/ctl/sites/default/files/cis_forms/A-Study-of-Students-Written-Course-Evaluation-Comments-at-a-Public-University-2006.pdf.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curtin Teaching and Learning, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, Australia

    Beatrice Tucker

Authors
  1. Beatrice Tucker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Beatrice Tucker.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tucker, B. Student evaluation surveys: anonymous comments that offend or are unprofessional. High Educ 68, 347–358 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-014-9716-2

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-014-9716-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation