What’s the problem with that?”
One thing to consider is the fact that many students are overgrown liberal brats that despise instructors that insist they learn the subject matter, think, analyze, write clearly, arrive on-time for class, don't text and surf the web and yack to the student next to them. In other words, act like a mature adult.
When it comes to student evals most students don't fill them out. . .the other fact is, the slackers usually fill them out and let loose all sorts of allegations. . .too include the ultimate allegation—racism.
That is what is wrong with student evals. They should not be, must not be used when it comes to defining if an instructor is doing his job and doing it well.
The challenge is to find a fact-based method to do so. I have no suggestion regarding that as I am still thinking it over.
I teach college federal government classes. I examine the subject as “process” and “policy.” Process is the mechanics of government, how it is constructed and ‘works,’ whereas ‘policy’ is defined as a political philosophy and elected officials use process to implement policy.
That said, when engaging students I challenge them to think why they feel a certain way;
Meaning I challenge them when to offer a (usually uninformed) opinion.
That means I counter their usual liberal opinion with a conservative point of view.
That means most times I am taking the conservative side. I also argue the liberal side when necessary. I am trying to get students to learn both sides of an issue so they can come to their opinion honestly and from an informed perspective.
This results in end-of-course student evals that accuse bias and unfairness, trying to push conservative views on them. (Another good argument against using student evals, would silence the "other" - conservative-side).
I was only seeing the issue with tenure, not the rest of it.
Of course, I live in NY state so tenured mediocrity is what I’d see and not notice the rest of the issue at hand.
9Year clued me in that tenure is a separate issue.
Hoo boy..
In conversation off forum, I am told that they have changed how they evaluate performance already here in NY.
I’m not privy to the exact details, but what had been a passing performance mark is now considered failing/poor.
I’ll have to go get it from the horse’s mouth so to speak.