The IDEA Center

The IDEA Center receives numerous inquiries from prospective and current clients alike. One frequent question is, “In what ways have other campuses effectively used the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction system?” Some of those currently using IDEA shared some best practices from their experience.

• Best Practices by Institution
• Best Practices by Topic

For institutions that currently use or are considering using IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction, all six reports are relevant. Technical Reports 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 can be purchased online from the Center. Technical Reports 1, 11, 12, and 13 may also be viewed and printed below.

• Technical Report No. 1, Development of the IDEA System
• Technical Report No. 9, Description of Database for the IDEA Diagnostic Form
• Technical Report No. 10, Comparative Data by Academic Field
• Technical Report No. 11, Revising the IDEA System
• Technical Report No. 12, Basic Data for the Revised IDEA System
• Technical Report No. 13, Disciplinary Differences in Student Ratings

The revised IDEA form was first administered in the fall of 1998.The IDEA Center's research staff has conducted a variety of studies since that time. These have sought to advance our understanding of teaching and learning and improve the use and interpretation of information provided to IDEA users.

Research Notes are very brief summaries of specific findings that emerge from our research on the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction system. If you have any questions about any of these notes, please contact The IDEA Center.

The IDEA Center's research staff has conducted a variety of studies to advance our understanding of teaching and learning, and to improve the use and interpretation of information provided to IDEA users.

Click here to order materials from The IDEA Center.

These succinct papers were written in collaboration with the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD). As a resource to support teaching improvement, each is useful to anyone wanting to address specific ways to employ different teaching methods – each of which is utilized in the Diagnostic Form of the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction.

These succinct papers were written in collaboration with the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD). As a resource to support improved student learning , each is useful to anyone wanting to address specific ways to facilitate learning on the following twelve objectives -- which are central to the IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction System.

The following IDEA Papers may provide some useful ideas related to teaching and faculty evaluation. The PDFs can be viewed below or, if unavailable online, they can be ordered from the Center.