posted on 2008-04-28, 14:07authored byJenny A. Darby
Course evaluations : a tendency to respond favourably on scales
Funding
Purpose: A possible favourable response pattern on scaled forms used as a means of evaluating
training courses is investigated. This is an important issue as scales are frequently used to
collect student feedback and also to measure attitude change as a result of training courses, in
universities, colleges and industry,
Methodology: In part one of the study evaluation forms were examined referring to courses were completed by
879 students attending 15 university level courses and 531 students at school. In part two a more exacting test for
a favourable response tendency using attitude scales was designed. This involved 212 teachers who were asked
about their willingness to include ‘children with special needs’ in their classes.
Findings: It was found the majority of students in part one responded at the favourable end of the evaluation
scales. The same tendency was noted with the teachers in part two of the study.
Implications: Courses are likely to be evaluated favourably and therefore it is suggested that it is necessary to
incorporate in any evaluation a means of comparison. Internal elements of courses need to be compared and
courses should be judged in terms of how good they are when compared with other similar courses.
History
School
Social Sciences
Department
Communication, Media, Social and Policy Studies
Citation
DARBY, J. A., 2008. Course evaluations : a tendency to respond favourably on scales. Quality assurance in education, 16 (1), pp. 7-18