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Show Evaluations Yield Vital Information that a class hated an instructor or felt that course was worthless, but sometimes have notread their classes correctly and they determine that their performance was not quite as good or bad as they nthe 1 5 1 I is going on in the classroom so they can make adjustments in their classes when necessary. The assessment method makes it possible for the instructor to obtain this information. Baar said, secondly, the administra- tion uses itas one componentin the faculty members performance for purposes of retention, promotion and pay. So both the administration and faculty use them seriously as one method of feedback. The evaluation forms are customarily handed out sometime during the last two weeks of class or after the final examination, at the discretion of the instructor. Some faculty members feel that the assessment is only valid if the student has completed the course of instruction, while others prefer to have the forms returned as soon as possible. For students who miss the class period when the evaluation takes place (and it is all random depending on the particular faculty member), it is possible to come into of evaluation we have, including peer evaluation, program chair evaluation, chair evaluation and an informal system of evaluation that goes on through the year at a small college are as accurate as the formal teaching evaluation instrument that goes on through the year. Baar said that the administration would be shocked if there was a vast discrepancy between the teaching evaluation and the other assessment procedures that go on during the year, Occasionally, as in the case of an adjunct professor or an instructor teaching a single class, there have been some small surprises for the teacher, but over all there is a great deal of consistency. We have never had a situation where we suddenly found out thought. The evaluation forms are valuable and the faculty is sensitive to how the students perceive their performance and the measure of what they are getting out of the classes. Baar said that the assessments are more as a formalized way of giving us feedback that we probably already have. At any rate, they give us a uniform overall perception of all of the classes, all of the teachers from all of the students. In the present form, the forms are unsigned, but this doesnt mean that a student who wishes to give constructive criticism or leave the door open for further dialogue about a specific issue cannot sign his or her name. The student might open the door for future friction with an instructor for whom he or she has given a negative, signed report, but the choice is there for that student. Baar said that if a student has a real problem with an instructor, it would probably be better to confront that instructor, or, at least the program chairman and state the problem for more direct action. The whole focus with teaching evaluations is to allow the student to be anonymous but responsible. We dont want the students to take the process lightly and we would like the criticism to be constructive, said Barr. Baar said, I wish the students would take the time they need to answer responsibly; we dont want it to be a rushed situation for the students because we do value the feedback. The results of the forms are compiled, analyzed and printed out in a summary which is returned to each faculty member.' Each instructor finds out how he or she ranked on each question from the class members, comparative results with other teachers in the same program and with the college faculty in general. It is one thing for a student to come back to a teacher after the class is over and comment, but it is much better to have the comments written, recorded and documented. It is more lasting and doesnt comment. appear to be an d - Five Westminster nursing students visited Capitol Hill Tues., Jan. 16, to learn about the legislative process. They made their visit in conjunction with Nurses Day at the Legislature. Dr. Imogene Rigdon, dean of the School of Nursing, accompanied the students for a tour and demonstration of the Utah State Legislature at work. Several bills are being prepared for the legislative process that will have impact on the nursing profession as well as Westminster students. d Preparation is under way for a College Student bill, mandates that in which Immunization, the interest of higher education, no person may attend college without presenting proof of immunization to the Department of Health. This bill is aimed toward immunization of students bom between 1957 and 1970. There is expressed concern that immunizations given to children for measlesmumpsrubella and diphtheria tetanus between these dates was ineffective if the vaccines were given at an age younger than 15 months. Immunizations must be . retaken to ensure the effectiveness of the Senate-sponsore- vaccination. This bill would become effective school year of 1991. Career Corner Walt Disney World interviews for summer and fall '90 p internships Feb. 5. Sign up in CRC Shaw 111. co-o- 10 dinners and land travel. The cost also covers entrance fees to some museums. Up to 17 additional people can sign up for the tour. Acceptance will be on a first come, first serve basis. A down payment of $350 is required to insure a spot. The $2160 must be paid in full at the time of the tour. Both Haslam and Dr. Pat Aikins, professor of English, will be traveling with ' oT : f y Forum Editor, N. A. (Tony) Savas; Managing Editor, Stef Nelson; Copy Editor, Cara Cahoon; Production Director, Roger Mangclson; Art Director, Skip Gregory; Photo Editor, Whitney Germaine; Business Manager, Laurie Schreibcr; Advertising Manager, Monica Gothard Staff Writers: Summer Ash, Kim Blodgett, Shane the students. There is a wonderful mixture of both traditional and students going on the tour, Akins said. Those participating include a married couple and Akins ten year old daughter. The tour will begin in London and will visit eight other cities in England. On the second week of the tour, the group will travel to France, where they will visit the Riviera and wineries, along with many other famous sites. I think the trip is going to be a lot of fun, said Haslam. The only thing that mightcause a dampens the weather. May in England will be similar to spring weather in Salt Lake City. Rainy! said Haslam. Haslam has traveled widely in France and he lived there for two years in the sixties. Akins has traveled extensively through England and has studied at Cambridge University. She is also the Director of the Westminster International School Program. non-tradition- Gonzales, Calvin Harrington, Sabila Khaderi, Bill Kil pack, Chri stopher Maddi ng, Dia na Rai 1 1, S tacee Sherwood, Bill Tatomer, Kevin Williams Page 2 Forum Forum staff writer France, England, Offered to Students - Madding, Roger Mangelson, Tony Savas Faculty Adviser: Scott Cairns The Forum will be published every Tuesday. The address of the Forum is 1840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. The Forum editors would like to encourage letters from students (include major), faculty and all other readers. Submissions must be sent to Converse Hall, room 205 no later than 3:00 pm, the week prior to publication. Due to li mi ted space availability, Forum editors reserve the right to edit all copy submitted. Opinions expressed on the editorial or commentary pages are those of the writers and are not to be construed as thoseofthe Forum, Associated Students of Westminster College, the college administration, faculty or staif. by Kathy Olson off-han- 14- .wl, Photography Staff: Shane Gonzales, Christopher Nurses Present Bill to the Utah State Legislature y r ' " , , y' v ''y. v . jt A S', tl$. fc it -- w. h y Steve Ilaslam, assistant French professor will help lead students through France and England during the May Term travelstudy tour this Spring. by Summer Ash and Diana Raitt Forum staff writers French. I shopped around to get the best price for the students. The tour of England and France will cost students $2,160 and allow them to get two credits in English or French. The $2,160 will cover airfare, hotel accommodations, breakfast, approximately 20-da- people have signed up for the May Term travelstudy tour to begin May 7. The cost is quite reasonable," said Steve Haslam, assistant professor of Twenty-thre- e y al . College-Cambrid- January 23, 1990 ge Issue 13 . |