Best Practices
The following suggestions can help faculty encourage participation in course evaluations and support stronger response rates.
Why this matters
Students are more likely to complete course evaluations when faculty explain the purpose, encourage participation, and communicate that student feedback is taken seriously.
Students are more likely to complete course evaluations when faculty explain the purpose, encourage participation, and communicate that student feedback is taken seriously.
One of the most effective strategies
The more faculty talk about evaluations in a positive and meaningful way, the more likely students are to participate.
Before the Evaluation Period
- Include a brief description of course evaluations in your syllabus.
- Explain why student feedback is important and how you use it to improve teaching and course design.
- Share examples of changes you have made based on student feedback when appropriate.
- Show students a copy of the evaluation form ahead of time so they know what to expect.
- Show students a sample evaluation report so they understand how results are viewed.
- Reassure students that responses are confidential and reported in aggregate.
During the Evaluation Period
- Ask students to bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to class, or schedule time in an available computer lab if appropriate.
- Conduct the evaluation at the beginning of class when possible.
- Review the process with students and remind them that you value their feedback.
- Direct students to access the evaluation through Brightspace or the link sent to their student email.
- Once students have opened the evaluation, let them know how much time they will have to complete it.
- Allow class to continue after the evaluation period ends if needed.
- Leave the room while students complete the evaluation.
- Thank students for their participation.
General Tips
- Positive, consistent communication about evaluations can improve response rates.
- Posting reminders in your Brightspace course shell can help raise awareness for students who have not yet completed the evaluation.
- Including evaluation information in your syllabus helps set expectations early.
- If you use social media to communicate with students, reminders there may also help increase participation.
Reminder: Course evaluation periods vary by class length and type, so encourage students to complete their evaluations before the posted deadline.
Faculty Information
Return to the Faculty Information page for details about timelines, Qualtrics access, permissions, and results.
View Faculty InformationQuestions?
If you have questions about course evaluations, dashboard access, or evaluation procedures, contact the Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness.
research@mclennan.edu