Factors Affecting Students Evaluation of Teachers: A Case Study Research in Albania

Abstract

The reliability, efficacy, and ethics of students “judging” their professors at university are considered to be controversial and political issues. Students’ evaluations of teaching (SET) instruments are used by universities to rate teachers and teaching. However, we question whether or not such instruments are adequate. And to what degree? What are the limitations? Are there any biased interpretations in the responses of the students? In this article, we address some of the issues concerning the evaluation of teachers by students at the University of Durres, Albania, such as the direct correlation between grading and positive evaluation, gender of professors, et al. A quantitative methodology was used for the realization of this study. The instrument used in the study was a questionnaire designed to explore students' and academic staff attitudes, regarding students’ evaluations of teachers. The article presents the study results and recommendations for better, more effective SETs instruments that limit ethical implications in these evaluative processes.

Received: 22 January 2023 / Accepted: 2 March 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023