Professor rating websites like Rate My Professors, MyEdu, Koofers and Uloop can be helpful tools for students who are interested in looking for fellow students’ opinions about their teachers. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using these sites. Postings on these sites are students’ reviews, which can be extreme and biased based on what they thought of a professor’s teaching methods. Keep in mind the “complain versus complement ratio.” In other words, is can be more common to write negative reviews than positive, but many students will scroll through reviews and get a general consensus about the teacher’s style, assignments and expectations in the course.
Hopefully students will check multiple sources as well as a professor’s credentials before registering for a course. In fact, students at College of DuPage can view professors’ course syllabi prior to enrollment in order to make an informed decision. Students are consumers of education. They are paying for courses and I think they deserve their money’s worth. Are these teacher rating sites the most realistic portrayal of our teaching? Here is a small sample of my students’ ratings (and yes, I was given a chili pepper):
| ENG 0492 NET |
RESPECTED BY STUDENTS GIVES GOOD FEEDBACK CLEAR GRADING CRITERIA
Really awesome professor. I did an 8 week course, and was pretty nervous as this was my first online course. She made me feel at ease, very helpful, and everything was clear. I hope all my professor are like her. |
| ENGLSH 1102 |
WOULD TAKE AGAIN THERE FOR YOU GIVES GOOD FEEDBACK
Online 8 week course, it goes quickly. She is always there for you; providing quick feedback and quick grading. I would recommend taking any class she teaches. She truly loves what she does and is engaged in student learning.
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| ENGLISH 1102 |
THERE FOR YOU EXPECT HOMEWORK GIVES GOOD FEEDBACK
Professor Hubbard is a great instructor. Every time I emailed her with question she would respond, even on weekends. She always gave good feed back and if you ever needed help with anything she was willing to help. Great instructor. Highly recommend her!!! |
| ENGLISH 0482 |
GIVES GOOD FEEDBACK GET READY TO READ RESPECTED BY STUDENTS
Clarity on what needed, taken online, good communicator, each week assignments are due, need to read novel, post blackboard discussion 5pts each do not miss that, very nice Professor. |
