The CEQ is the universal tool for evaluating courses and instruction at Memorial. It provides a standardized measure of key questions for which students can provide an assessment, and can also provide comparative data within the Memorial setting.

However, current Senate policies state that the following types of courses may be evaluated by a method other than the CEQ:

• Courses with enrolment less than 5.
• Team-taught courses.
• Non-degree-credit courses.
• Modularized courses or courses offered outside of the normal time frame for a semester or session, as defined by the University Calendar.

If the CEQ is not administered, an alternative method of evaluation is to be established that includes a form of written student ratings and reporting of such ratings, with due regard for student anonymity. Specifications for the alternative method should be documented by the Administrative Head of the academic unit.

While the CEQ can be used for these non-mandated courses, an alternative method may be more suitable. In the case of small-enrolment classes in particular, the SCCE encourages academic units not to use the CEQ in these cases. It is difficult to establish a form of ratings for extremely small classes, and units may wish to consider a simple feedback form instead. An example of a qualitative feedback form can be found here.

Supplementary Evaluation Measures

Multiple sources of information and the use of supplemental methods of course evaluation can help an instructor obtain a more complete picture of teaching effectiveness. In addition to the CEQ, instructors may wish to consider the following:

• Other forms of student feedback (e.g., mid-semester assessment form, anonymous online discussion forum or surveys in Desire2Learn, etc.)
• Peer review of teaching
• Classroom assessment techniques
• Course review by teaching consultants
• Personal reflection on teaching documented in a teaching dossier
• Review of course syllabi

The Instructional Development team at CITL (The Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning) can assist instructors who wish to incorporate supplementary forms of evaluation into their course. They can also provide assistance in the areas of professional development, dossier preparation and other teaching resources. For more information please contact instrdev@mun.ca or 709-864-3028.