The Themes Present in the Qualitative Portion of the Student Evaluation of Teachers with Emphasis on the Differences in Themes among the Sex and Academic Rank of Faculty Members in a State University in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper identified the themes present in the comments of the students of a state university in the Philippines in the qualitative portion of the student evaluation of teachers (SET) for two semesters, one before the pandemic and the other during the pandemic. Thematic analysis revealed the following themes present: (a) general positive comments, (b) general negative comments, (c) expressions of gratitude, (d) wishes and greetings to the teacher, (e) positive comments on teaching method, (f) negative comments on teaching method, (g) positive comments on teachers’ demeanor, and (h) negative comments on teachers’ demeanor. There were no differences in the themes between male and female teachers and among instructors, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. Similarly, there were no differences found in the themes identified before and during the pandemic. The thematic analysis showed that many students made only general comments that were not helpful at all in improving teaching effectiveness. Thus, it is recommended that in the SET instrument, instruction should be given to students to make their comments specific so that teachers will know what exact things they are doing well or not. Knowing these will help improve their teaching. It was noted that there were numerous negative comments on the teachers' teaching methods and demeanor. Hence, it is recommended that the university craft intervention measures that will acquaint teachers with the various methods of teaching, considering that at the tertiary level, many teachers are not education majors trained in pedagogy. In addition, seminars and workshops regarding teacher demeanor are suggested.