Interpretation of Results
The following documents (Interpreting End-of-Course Evaluation Results and Course Evaluations: Information for Students) were prepared with three goals in mind:
- increase the utility of course evaluation results;
- increase confidence in the value of the results; and
- reduce instructor anxiety connected to the course evaluation process.
The documents will help instructors, teaching assistants, academic administrators and students to both contribute to and benefit from the opportunities for extensive feedback that the Mercury system provides. The documents are informed by extensive research, both at McGill and elsewhere, and refer where appropriate to specific policies and practices at McGill.
Guidelines and Recommendations for Interpreting Results
Course Evaluation Results Interpretation Guidelines [.pdf]
This document provides guidelines and recommendations for interpreting both numerical data and written comments from course evaluations in reasonable and productive ways. It is intended to be used by instructors, teaching assistants and academic unit heads (Chairs, Directors and Deans).
Comments Analysis Worksheet
Comments Analysis Worksheet [.doc]
The Worksheet, taken from Interpreting End-of-Course Evaluation Results, is intended for instructors and teaching assistants to use to help make sense of student comments.
Student Guidelines on Course Evaluations
Course Evaluations: Information for Students
This document answers common student questions about course evaluations and provides guidelines for making feedback as useful as possible.