Our Services
- Student Ratings of Instruction
- Assesses effectiveness by focusing on learning and curricular objectives.
- Feedback for Department Chairs
- Comprises the only nationally normed tool for evaluating chairpersons.
- Feedback for Administrators
- Considers impressions of stakeholders on 10 pivotal characteristics.
Pilot Program FAQ
How many and what type of classes should we pilot?
Typically pilots include a representative sample of classes. We recommend that a minimum of 25 classes be surveyed. Consider including classes from a cross-section of disciplines and faculty rank, members of committees responsible for faculty evaluation, teaching improvement, or program assessment, and faculty senate members and other influential faculty leaders. Some campuses have asked faculty to volunteer and others ask each faculty member to survey at least one class.
Should we try the IDEA Diagnostic or the Short Form?
The form you select depends on your intended use of the results. If you want to use student ratings to guide improvement and professional growth, then the Diagnostic Form should be used. If you have other resources for that purpose and intend to only use IDEA for administrative purposes, then the Short Form would be appropriate. The Diagnostic Form can be used for both purposes. You can use a combination of Diagnostic and Short Forms in the pilot process.
Can we try both the paper forms and IDEA Online?
Yes. The pilot offer allows you to use either one or both delivery methods.
After we have surveyed the classes, how do we get the reports?
If you are using the paper forms, you ship the forms with a Pilot Processing Checklist to The IDEA Center and we will scan them and ship you the processed materials within 10 working days. The Guide to Shipping provides some helpful suggestions. If you are using IDEA Online, you need to complete the Pilot Processing Checklist and fax it to us. Upon receipt of the fax, we will ship you the processed materials within 10 working days. If you do not have your Pilot Processing Checklist, please contact Sally Garvin at 800-255-2757.
What kind of support is available?
We are always available to discuss the IDEA System and pilot process by phone and e-mail. We have a number of IDEA Resources available in our Knowledge Base, related to using IDEA and related to Improving Teaching. We also provide a number of Training Opportunities.
