Student Evaluations and Popular Myths

Effects of grading leniency and low workload on students’ evaluations of teaching:  Popular myth, bias, validity, or innocent bystanders? 

A look at student evaluations with a close eye on workload and grading leniency.

Abstract Excerpt:
" Two studies debunk popular myths that student evaluations of teaching (SETs) are substantially biased by low workload and grading leniency. A workload bias is untenable because the workload-SET relation is positive. The small grade-SET relation (.20 for overall ratings) has many well-supported explanations that do not involve bias. Some SET factors (e.g., Organization, Enthusiasm) are unrelated to grades, and the highest relation is with Learning (.30), implying valid teaching effects rather than bias. Structural equation models
confirmed that perceived learning and prior characteristics..."

Find the article here.

Direct URL:  http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/edu/92/1/202/