Constructive Student Feedback: Online vs. Traditional Course Evaluations
Abstract
Substantial efforts have been made recently to compare the effectiveness of traditional course formats to alternative formats (most often, online delivery compared to traditional on-site delivery). This study examines, not the delivery format but rather the evaluation format. It compares traditional paper and pencil methods for course evaluation with electronic methods. Eleven instructors took part in the study. Each instructor taught two sections of the same course; at the end, one course received an online course evaluation, the other a traditional pencil and paper evaluation. Enrollment in these 22 sections was 519 students. Researchers analyzed open-ended comments as well as quantitative rankings for the course evaluations. Researchers found no significant differences in numerical rankings between the two evaluation formats. However, differences were found in number and length of comments, the ratio of positive to negative comments, and the ratio of formative to summative comments. Students completing faculty evaluations online wrote more comments, and the comments were more often formative (defined as a comment that gave specific reasons for judgment so that the instructor knew what the student was suggesting be kept or changed) in nature.
EDITORS NOTE: As a part of this Editor’s Choice special issue of JIOL, this article is a reprint of an article published in volume 5, Issue 3 of the Journal of Interactive Online Learning. The author biographical information has been updated below, however, the manuscript is presented in its original form.
About the Author(s)...
Judy K. Donovan is an Assistant Professor at Georgia College and State University in Educational Technology. Dr. Donovan’s research interests are in the areas of Educational Technology, especially in the area of online learning. Her graduate degrees include Instructional Technology, Business Administration, English, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Leadership. Dr. Donovan may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Cynthia E. Mader is an Associate Professor in Grand Valley State University’s College of Education in Social Foundations. Dr. Mader’s research interests include assessment, motivation, and critical feminist theory. Her graduate degrees include English Literature, Library and Information Science, and Counseling. She received the Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University. Dr. Mader may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
E. John Shinsky joined the Grand Valley State University faculty in 2001 as an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership. Dr. Shinsky currently serves at Grand Valley as an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and the Department Chairperson of Leadership and Learning. He may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..