College students' end-of-semester assessment of instructors' performance: students' narratives are the best interpretive research tool that validates the survey questionnaire results

Abstract

Though a common practice, survey questionnaires are not always the best tool for the assessment of instructor performance in the Humanities department. To filter biases of incomprehensive surveys, a combination of normative and interpretive techniques is essential. In this sense, while classroom observations and action research shed light on variables that impact the evaluation process, students' narratives bring about the whole picture of how instructors are performing, how practice can be improved and what policy changes are needed. This study, conducted in 2009, targeted the assessment of instructional practices in the Humanities department to help the administration to make informed decisions.