University of Hawai'i eCAFE

eCAFE: Course and Faculty Evaluations

Instructor: Benjamin Schrader

Available Survey Results

POLS 110, Fall 2012
POLS 335, Summer II 2012

Benjamin Schrader: POLS 110, Fall 2012

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Political Science
Course:	POLS 110 - Intro to Political Science	Crn (Section):	79169 (005)

1. Class Level (pick one)

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Freshman	Sophomore	Junior	Senior	Grad	Other
1.77	22	1.07	Freq(%)	13 (59%)	3 (14%)	4 (18%)	2 (9%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)

2. Course

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Elective	Required
1.45	22	0.51	Freq(%)	12 (55%)	10 (45%)

3. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.5	22	0.91	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	7 (32%)	14 (64%)

4. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.27	22	0.94	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	1 (5%)	10 (45%)	10 (45%)

5. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.41	22	0.96	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	1 (5%)	7 (32%)	13 (59%)

6. I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.09	22	0.97	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	3 (14%)	10 (45%)	8 (36%)

7. The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.36	22	0.95	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	1 (5%)	8 (36%)	12 (55%)

8. The instructor was able to explain concepts clearly and effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.95	22	1.05	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	6 (27%)	7 (32%)	8 (36%)

9. The instructor stimulated me to think about the subject matter.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	22	1.11	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	1 (5%)	4 (18%)	7 (32%)	9 (41%)

10. The instructor broadened my understanding and grasp of the subject.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.09	22	1.06	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	1 (5%)	2 (9%)	9 (41%)	9 (41%)

11. The instructor was thoughtful and precise in response to questions.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.23	22	0.92	Freq(%)	1 (5%)	0 (0%)	1 (5%)	11 (50%)	9 (41%)

12. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the instructor?

He's very kind and understanding, without losing the respect of his entire class. He took a great amount of interest in his his teaching, which was visible to the class. He was also the easiest speak with of all my teachers.

Benjamin Schrader makes the class easy enough for every single one of his students to pass.

He had his own notes on the readings and that made understanding his assignments a lot easier. Also included a little bit of personal experience as examples so that students were understanding the material better.

The topics that he taught in class were very interesting to learn about.

Ben was very approachable throughout the course. He was very well-informed about the subject, and provided supplementary details about the things that he assigned us to read. He truly has a passion for Political Science. He was also able to explain more difficult concepts in plain language, without "dumbing it down" too much.

He was willing to work with the class, even if the class wasnt taking the subject matter extremely seriously.

Always available for advice on the class, specific with what he asks of you, cool guy, funny

N/A

he requires participation from all the students.

I rather liked the online forum post assignments we had. It required us to read other peoples views and to think about them and come up with a response. I felt this helped us to broaden our views of that particular subject matter and how it relates to the overall topic of the course. I also enjoyed our elections debate we had. I felt it was a good way to learn about a rather in-depth topic. I think it would have helped and made it easier to learn the other topics we covered through various debates on the issues discussed. I think having us present certain materials also helped us understand the topics, it probably would have been more effective if everyone had a part in it, such as the rest of the class writing something about what we learned or a game played that required us to really pay attention tot he presenters.

He's very knowledgable in what he teaches and always forces us to look in between the lines and get to the bottom of the text. I like that he actually forces to think analytically about the text. He was also very passionate about what he teaches, and didn't get his own personal beliefs mixed into his lectures that much.

Ben was able to explain difficult topics which came up regularly in this course.

His friendliness and understanding of topics.

Very good at finding the political aspects of things. Thoughtful and helpful.

I like that I felt pretty comfortable in the class. I wasn't too nervous to speak up and participate in class discussions. It was a class in which I could engage myself in further understanding the material.

The reading made me feel more intelligent, but it was hard so i'm happy he didn't give us quizzes.

13. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the instructor?

This question hasn't come to mind throughout the entirety of the course, and I find it difficult to find an answer. The only difficulties I encountered were through laulima, which could be revised and improved (especially with what UH Manoa has to offer).

He's into class discussions.

Absolutely nothing

The readings were a bit hard to understand, but I like how we discussed them in class to clear any confusion or misunderstandings.

Not a comment on Ben himself, but being in an actual Poli Sci class made me realize that I won't be taking any more Poli Sci classes in the future. The readings were often tedious (interesting, but tedious) and more philosophical than I expected.

n/a

Some times it was difficult to take notes for the lectures.

Nothing

N/A

At times it was really overwhelming and harsh with the amount of analysis that we had to do, but in the long run it seemed to be worth it. Sometimes he kind of breezes by the lectures too.

He needs to be able to control class discussions, sometimes others can feel threatened by what other students are saying and what their opinions are.

I didn't feel too challenged to become involved in the political world.

Nothing.

14. Global appraisal: Considering everything how would rate this INSTRUCTOR?

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Very Poor	Poor	Average	Good	Excellent
4.55	22	0.67	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (9%)	6 (27%)	14 (64%)

15. Global appraisal: Considering everything how would you rate this COURSE?

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Very Poor	Poor	Average	Good	Excellent
3.95	22	0.72	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (27%)	11 (50%)	5 (23%)

16. Other comments:

Foucault is pretty heavy reading for an introductory course.

I'm very pleased with how Ben handled disruptive students during class. Ben tried to allow everyone the chance to participate during class, and wouldn't allow one person to speak for too long. I also really liked that he offered titles of books and authors that related to topics which we expressed interest in.

Overall the class was fun and engaging. I rather enjoyed our forum style classroom and discussion.

Benjamin Schrader: POLS 335, Summer II 2012 Back to top

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Political Science
Course:	POLS 335 - Political Philosophy & Theory	Crn (Section):	90892 (701)

1. Class Level (pick one)

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Freshman	Sophomore	Junior	Senior	Grad	Other
3.4	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (60%)	2 (40%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)

2. Course

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Elective	Required
1.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

3. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

4. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

5. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

6. I learned to apply principles from this course to new situations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

7. I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	5	1.34	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

8. I was stimulated to discuss related topics outside of class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.2	5	1.3	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)

9. I reconsidered many of my former attitudes.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.2	5	1.3	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)

10. I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.2	5	1.1	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	0 (0%)	3 (60%)

11. Which aspects of the course were most valuable?

Theories

This is my first philosophy course so it was helpful to have Ben's further analysis of the reading material. I truly enjoyed his teaching style and feel like i learned a lot. I really enjoyed learning how to write more scholarly papers as well. It was hard to do but I know that I need to learn the correct way to cite and the proper format of writing papers.

The in class discussions were very enlightening.

Watching the movies.

Learning theoretical approaches coupled with application strategies through multimedia platforms was extremely effective in understanding the material

12. Which aspects of the course were least valuable?

None.

N/A

Too much discussion and too many readings.

13. The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

14. The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

15. The instructor was able to explain concepts clearly and effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

16. The instructor stimulated me to think about the subject matter.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

17. The instructor broadened my understanding and grasp of the subject.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

18. The instructor treated students fairly.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	5	1.34	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

19. The instructor's feedback about my writing helped me become a better writer.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)

20. The instructor was thoughtful and precise in response to questions.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

21. The amount of work required is appropriate for the credit received.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

22. How can the instructor improve the teaching of this course?

N/A

Do lectures. Not just discussion.

The only struggle I encountered was the intensity of the schedule as a product of the summer format, given a full semester this would not have been a problem

23. Global appraisal: Considering everything how would rate this INSTRUCTOR?

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Very Poor	Poor	Average	Good	Excellent
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

24. Assignments make students think.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	5	1.34	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

25. Exams are reasonable in length and difficulty.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

26. Global appraisal: Considering everything how would you rate this COURSE?

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Very Poor	Poor	Average	Good	Excellent
4.4	5	1.34	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (80%)

27. My overall evaluation of this course is...

Very good

Challenging and stimulating.

AWESOME.

Below average.

Thorough in scope and broadened my perspectives

28. Other comments:

Benjamin is a nice instructor and a likeable person.