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

Authors: Nahida Al Assi Farhat

Addresses: Department of Humanities and Languages, Hariri Canadian University, P.O. Box 10, Damour, Chouf 2010, Lebanon

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.

Keywords: action research; classroom observation; instructor assessment; instructor performance; performance assessment; student narratives; survey questionnaires; normative assessment; interpretive assessment; assessment validity; educational management; humanities; higher education; universities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIOME.2010.034640

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, 2010 Vol.3 No.4, pp.392 - 416

Published online: 13 Aug 2010 *

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