Abstract
Student evaluations, in the form of anonymous online surveys, are ubiquitous in Australian universities. Most students in most courses are offered the opportunity to rate the “quality” of their teachers and the course they take.
The original intention of student surveys was to help improve the learning experience. But it’s now become much more. Student surveys are often the only measure of teaching quality (along with pass rates). For lecturers, positive ratings and comments are often required to ensure continued employment or promotion.
But these anonymous surveys have also become a platform for defamatory, racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments against staff.
The original intention of student surveys was to help improve the learning experience. But it’s now become much more. Student surveys are often the only measure of teaching quality (along with pass rates). For lecturers, positive ratings and comments are often required to ensure continued employment or promotion.
But these anonymous surveys have also become a platform for defamatory, racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments against staff.
Original language | English |
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Journal | The Conversation |
Publication status | Published - 10 Jan 2022 |