What are the most effective ways to use faculty evaluations for better learning outcomes?

1 Align evaluations with learning goals

One of the first steps to use faculty evaluations effectively is to align them with the learning goals and outcomes of the course, program, or institution. This means that the evaluation criteria, questions, and methods should reflect what the faculty and students are expected to achieve and demonstrate in terms of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. By aligning evaluations with learning goals, educational leaders can ensure that the feedback they collect and provide is relevant, meaningful, and actionable. They can also use the evaluation data to monitor and measure the progress and impact of their teaching and learning initiatives.

2 Involve faculty and students in the evaluation process

Another key strategy to use faculty evaluations effectively is to involve faculty and students in the evaluation process. This means that educational leaders should consult and collaborate with faculty and students to design, implement, and analyze the evaluation instruments and results. By involving faculty and students, educational leaders can increase the validity, reliability, and credibility of the evaluation data. They can also foster a sense of ownership, responsibility, and engagement among faculty and students, who will feel more valued, respected, and motivated to participate in the evaluation process and use the feedback for improvement.

3 Use multiple sources and methods of evaluation

A third best practice to use faculty evaluations effectively is to use multiple sources and methods of evaluation. This means that educational leaders should collect and triangulate feedback from different perspectives and modalities, such as self-evaluation, peer evaluation, student evaluation, observation, portfolio, reflection, etc. By using multiple sources and methods of evaluation, educational leaders can capture a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the teaching and learning practices. They can also reduce the biases, errors, and limitations that may arise from relying on a single or narrow source or method of evaluation.

5 Support faculty development and recognition

A fifth important practice to use faculty evaluations effectively is to support faculty development and recognition. This means that educational leaders should provide and facilitate opportunities and resources for faculty to learn, grow, and innovate in their teaching and learning practices. They should also acknowledge and reward faculty for their achievements, contributions, and excellence in teaching and learning. By supporting faculty development and recognition, educational leaders can foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement among faculty. They can also enhance the morale, satisfaction, and retention of faculty, who will feel more supported, appreciated, and inspired to teach and learn.

6 Evaluate and improve the evaluation system

A sixth and final strategy to use faculty evaluations effectively is to evaluate and improve the evaluation system. This means that educational leaders should regularly review and assess the quality, usefulness, and impact of the evaluation instruments, processes, and outcomes. They should also solicit and incorporate feedback and suggestions from faculty and students on how to improve the evaluation system. By evaluating and improving the evaluation system, educational leaders can ensure that the evaluation system is valid, reliable, relevant, and responsive to the changing needs and expectations of faculty and students. They can also demonstrate their commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?