Student Perspectives of Teaching (SPOT)
Students at the U of A provide their feedback on teaching and learning through a standardized survey which is designed to get their perspectives on their experiences of teaching. Since July 2023, Student Perspectives of Teaching, or SPOT, has been used for student evaluations.
SPOT Overview
The SPOT survey consists of six sections, with three questions in each section, for a total of 18 questions. Questions on the SPOT survey are listed in Teaching, Learning and Evaluation Policy - Appendix A: Student Perspectives of Teaching (SPOT) Survey. These changes to how students provide their perspectives on teaching are reflected in the Student Input to the Evaluation of Teaching and Learning Procedure.
The six sections students will provide their perspectives on teaching are:
- Course design
- Utility of course resources
- Graded work
- Course delivery
- Instructional approach
- Class climate
Why the change?
Previously, students provided feedback to instructors through Universal Student Rating of Instruction (USRI) questions, a survey with ten questions. With SPOT, these survey questions were changed to meet the Framework for Effective Teaching requirement in the Teaching, Learning and Evaluation policy as one way to mitigate bias. The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) developed the framework to help instructors enhance their teaching practice through methods of developing, documenting, and reflecting on their teaching. The new questions on the SPOT survey as students to reflect on course design and instructional practices, two components of the Framework for Effective Teaching.
How are SPOT Surveys delivered?
All courses are required to dedicate 15 minutes of class time for the completion of the survey, and instructors are not permitted to be present during this class time. This communicates the importance of the activity to students and has shown to be an effective way to encourage participation.
Access to the SPOT survey, along with any supplemental instructor and/or Department/Faculty questions, will typically be available beginning two weeks prior to the last day of classes until two days past the last day of classes, providing there are no final examinations scheduled in this two-day period.
What is the completion process?
Towards the end of each term, students complete SPOT surveys through an online questionnaire administered through Test Scoring & Questionnaire Services (TSQS). Instructors will continue to receive their SPOT survey results in the same time period, using the same method.
Impact to the Faculty Evaluation Committees (FEC) and Tenure and Promotion Process
Results from the updated SPOT survey are used in the FEC processes in ways that are consistent with the collective agreement and Faculty standards, documents and procedures. Instructors are evaluated through the Faculty Evaluation Committee process.
Visit IST’s page for more details on the SPOT survey process. For any questions, please contact spot@ualberta.ca.