University of Hawai'i eCAFE

eCAFE: Course and Faculty Evaluations

Instructor: Michael Weinstein

Available Survey Results

SOC 100, Fall 2009
SOC 100A, Fall 2009
SOC 478, Fall 2009
SOC 491, Fall 2009

Michael Weinstein: SOC 100, Fall 2009

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Sociology
Course:	SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology	Crn (Section):	73796 (301) 73797 (302) 73798 (303) 73799 (304) 73800 (305) 73801 (306)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.39	41	0.63	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (7%)	19 (46%)	19 (46%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.25	40	0.67	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (13%)	20 (50%)	15 (38%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.34	41	0.73	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (15%)	15 (37%)	20 (49%)

4. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.23	40	0.7	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (15%)	19 (48%)	15 (38%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.28	32	0.73	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (19%)	11 (34%)	15 (47%)

6. I developed enthusiasm about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.2	41	0.87	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (5%)	6 (15%)	15 (37%)	18 (44%)

7. I learned a lot in this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.1	41	0.7	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	8 (20%)	21 (51%)	12 (29%)

8. I developed greater awareness of societal problems.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.37	41	0.7	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (12%)	16 (39%)	20 (49%)

9. I enjoyed this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.51	41	0.68	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (10%)	12 (29%)	25 (61%)

10. I gained a better understanding of myself through this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.97	32	0.75	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (3%)	7 (22%)	16 (50%)	8 (25%)

11. I try to relate what I learn in this course to my own experience.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	39	0.66	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (10%)	18 (46%)	17 (44%)

12. I learned more in this course than I expected to learn.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.03	40	0.92	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (5%)	10 (25%)	13 (33%)	15 (38%)

13. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?

its a freshman seminar

watching the documentary videos like Sicko and Wal-mart because they gave a lot of insight on problems that are currently affecting the nation

Having a seminar class really helps us to become as one. I feel that we knew eachother on a level where no one was really shame to say what they felt because there was only 10 students in the class. We were alot closer and knew a little more about one another.

everyones feed back

I found the small classroom setting helpful because if any of us had questions, it was easy to get the teachers attention and ask. I also valued the topics that we went over.

I definitely learned more about the social problems we have in the world, and what we could do to better the future.

the small number of students

Learning about all the roles sociology plays in the world.

What I found most valuable and helpful about the course is sociology really gives you a different perspective on life and everything revolved around it. I always take a step back, sort of say, and look over the situation a few times before making a decision or judgement. :)

the same class size helped me communitcate more efficiently.

The small class size made it easier to learn.

How to relate it to every day life

Something I found very valuable and helpful about the course was the idea that the materials were something that could be related to everyday life. I found it more interesting to learn and when I am interested in my subject I then learn better entirely. Also, I like that we did things outside of the classroom to demonstrate what we learned in our text.

to give a good presentation and learn about the social problems in the world and how it effects both males and females

I learned to understand how and why people behave differently because of their backgrounds and that you should respect their beliefs. Basically to be flexible with society.

the small class size really helped to get to now eachother and become comfortable sharing material

Studying about the world and its many social issues. I hardly watch television, so through the current events I am learning to become more aware to the world around me.

The class discussions were most valuable and helpful because it made me see things from not only my perspective, but also others as well.

The fact that we were given the task of presenting the material to our peers was very valuable. It was practice in presentation and voicing our opinions.

Being able to be 'open' in discussions.

I liked the intimacy of a small class, I feel like we covered more, got to know each other better and I got a better understanding of sociology than I would have in a lecture setting.

it was all good.

the small class size

Group presentations

When I learned about different statuses of people around the world.

The thing I found most valuable about this course was that sociology relates to every day life (family, friends, relationships, etc.). The thing I found most helpful about this course was how we were able to apply sociology to our personal lives and have group discussions on how certain topic affect not only ourselves but also those around us. Also I liked how we did activities to help better explain the topics we were learning.

The course helped me gain a better understanding of trends of society and why things are the way they are.

Chapter outlines, activities, and small class-size which enables discussions

the discussions

14. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?

chapter discussions

the fact that we met 2 days a week felt like we didnt see eachother as much.

the reading

Nothing, everything in the class that was done was to help us.

There were no least valuable information I found about this course. I felt that everything was important and helpful to their own extent.

Nothing.

Well I found a lot of the course enjoyable but the least valuable and helpful subject about the course was most of the material was almost review for me because I took a sociology class my senior year of high school. But I love sociology :)

i didn't find anything leat vaulable about the class.

I did not really find anything that wasn't helpful or valuable about that course. I truly enjoyed this class and the way it was operated.

no comment

N/A

nothing really.

The quizzes were the least helpful, because it was only added stress.

The current events weren't as valuable as they could of been because it was only interesting when we could listen to others present their article. After a while we just had to write up an essay and submit it.

I have difficulty finding something that did not contribute to this course positively.

N/A.

That even after all this time, I still can't always find the sociological perspective. Does that mean I didn't understand the meaning well enough in the beginning?

i never met my Professor.

nothing

Films

Politics

None

The least valuable thing to me about the course was some of the sociological theories.

quizzes because they were too easy, multiple choice,

the activities

15. The instructor is enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.27	41	0.67	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (12%)	20 (49%)	16 (39%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.39	41	0.59	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (5%)	21 (51%)	18 (44%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.25	40	0.63	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (10%)	22 (55%)	14 (35%)

18. 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
3.85	41	0.91	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	3 (7%)	11 (27%)	16 (39%)	11 (27%)

19. The instructor was accessible to students outside of class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.95	41	0.77	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (2%)	10 (24%)	20 (49%)	10 (24%)

20. The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.22	41	0.61	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (10%)	24 (59%)	13 (32%)

21. The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.85	41	0.79	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	3 (7%)	7 (17%)	24 (59%)	7 (17%)

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

she was always very energeticand explained something if people didn't understand

The instructor was very helpful in understanding the course. Because she was a student, it was a lot easier to communicate with her and wasn't really shame to ask questions.

she related the material outside the class

She was very enthusiastic about the course and came up with good ideas and activities to help us understand the material more.

The fact that our instructor was a student was awesome, only because she knew what would be the best way to teach us and get us on our feet for class.

she didn't only lecture, she took us outside to learn also

She was very good at explaining the material.

He was available when needed and he broke down the material being presented to real life terms so it was easier to understand what was being gained.

he was willing to accept my work when i wasn't able to attend class.

He was able to relate well to teenagers and was very understanding

Shane was very easy to get along with. He made the classroom setting comfortable and a good learning environment. I wasn't afraid to talk and say what I wanted to say.

he knew the material

He was understanding and helpful with misunderstood material. He also explained what was clearly expected.

chapter presentation

The instructor was very cordial and a great listener.

The instructor motivates me to do my work to the fullest and to gain more than I would out of the text if I were just reading it.

The instructor is very social and open, in a sense his personality allowed his students to become more open to voice their opinions.

The fact that he was a discussion leader, not a professor!

I thought it helpful that he was easy to talk to, which made everything much more comfortable, like writing or presenting our thoughts on current events. Also, since he was very easy going, it made the class more fun, and therefore a better learning environment.

my TA was very easy to talk to.

she was always accessable and easy to talk to

Communication and getting grades in on time

How the instuctor was able to explain the concepts of the course when we were not able to understand it.

The thing I found most helpful about the instructor was that since she was close to our age, I felt that she could relate to us more and that's what made discussions comfortable to talk about.

The instructor went over each chapter and highlighted important concepts and key terms.

willing to print your papers for you since she was a student, she can see from our point of view

friendly

23. What two or three single words best describe this instructor?

bubbly and talkative

energetic and charismatic

Enthusiastic, Sharing

Very good instructor

Friendly, enthusiastic, chill.

Understanding, Knowledgeable and AWESOME!

smart, fun, helpful

Enthusiastic, Smart.

SOCIAL CHALLENGING FUN

intelligent, humorous.

helpful, understanding

Helpful, smart, and kind

no comment

Patient, clear and helpful.

the shitz, best teacher ever

enthusiastic involved loquacious

Caring, thoughtful, and insightful.

Positive, Understanding

Flexible. Entertaining. Understanding.

Football, talkative(tangents!), funny

Good, interesting

prepared, dedicated, fun

funny, cool

Helpful, nice, organized.

Understanding, helpful, interesting

helpful reasonable

personable, responsible, knowledgable

nice, not boring

24. I am generally pleased with the materials (texts, handouts) required for this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.1	41	0.83	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (5%)	6 (15%)	19 (46%)	14 (34%)

25. The course was a valuable contribution to my education.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.07	41	0.79	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (2%)	8 (20%)	19 (46%)	13 (32%)

26. The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.29	41	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	10 (24%)	9 (22%)	22 (54%)

27. Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.32	41	0.76	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	7 (17%)	14 (34%)	20 (49%)

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

This is one of my favorite classes and I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course.

Although it was a short semester, this course was very fun and interesting. Coming into this class, I knew nothing about sociology and could care less for the subject, but until we went into depth with the meaning, I took it into consideration and learned about it. Sociology isn't really in my interest but interesting to learn about. I had fun and the instructor was easy to get along with.

one of my favorite classes to learn in

Great! :) One of my favorite classes this semester!

a very well informed class :) I recommend students to take it.

it's an awesome class:)

It was great.

Enjoyable. I loved this class, its one of my favorites, especially due to the fact that I can constantly interact with my fellow students.

i enjoyed going to class everyday and learned a lot about sociology.

It was a good/fun course, i liked conversing thoughts and ideas with the instructor and other students in the class

that it was a really interesting course that actually made me consider changing my major to sociology because i enjoyed it so much.

I am glad I took this course, I learned a lot and the instructor made it fun also

That it was a course that I enjoyed taking, and learned a lot about myself and my peers. I now have a better understanding and respect for others and what they do.

overall a very informative course that is fun to take

good

Good.

Great experience that will help me in all aspects of life.

This course is excellent. I feel it encouraged me to be more active in voicing my opinion and to recognize that sociology is a very applicable and relevant study.

GREAT!

I had fun and I liked the class. I learned more than I expected to, and though I don't think my interest truly runs in this direction, I felt it was a great learning experience. So, yes, I would highly recommend this class.

it was a fun course because it was a little class.

it was good. I feel that I probably could have learned more, but it was a good introduction to sociology.

it was insightful and made me want to take more courses like it

I enjoyed it.

Good.

Overall, this course was very fun and interesting due to the open discussions, outline, and activity based learning.

sociology helped me take things from a different perspective.

good. I'm glad I had a seminar instead of a giant lecture class

it was fun but we had a lot of papers

Michael Weinstein: SOC 100A, Fall 2009 Back to top

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Sociology
Course:	SOC 100A - Introduction to Sociology	Crn (Section):	73802 (001)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	6	0.52	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (67%)	2 (33%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.83	6	0.98	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.17	6	1.17	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	3 (50%)	0 (0%)

4. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	1.51	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	0.63	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	4 (67%)	1 (17%)

6. I developed enthusiasm about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.33	6	1.21	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	4 (67%)	0 (0%)

7. I learned a lot in this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.33	6	1.21	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)

8. I developed greater awareness of societal problems.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.83	6	0.98	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	4 (67%)	1 (17%)

9. I enjoyed this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.17	6	1.47	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)

10. I gained a better understanding of myself through this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
2.83	6	1.17	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)	0 (0%)

11. I try to relate what I learn in this course to my own experience.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.5	6	1.38	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)

12. I learned more in this course than I expected to learn.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
2.83	6	1.17	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)	0 (0%)

13. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?

I just liked the course material in general. It was very interesting, something I've never studied before. I love learning about people and their nature.

The small class discussions were very useful. It helps to have a small classroom so students can communicate effectively and it's not just a professor talking to you throughout the whole class.

I thought the weekly papers were very helpful to my learning because I could apply the theories I learned to observations of my daily life and put it into words for another person to re-experience.

It is a good course for writing on topics which you are interested, but when it comes to how you are evaluated and scored, there is a lot of grey matter and confussion.

A lot of material was provided, and we remained actively involved through weekly presentations.

14. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?

Least helpful were the guidelines given for papers. I think the students' entire grade is based only on papers written and class participation. I don't feel that's a good enough chance to earn a good grade. The guidelines for the papers are way too vague. The entire class agrees, or at least the majority of us do. At least give us a topic to write about please!

EHEHEHEHHEHE

Due to the structuring of the class it felt like we had no reason after a while to read the chapter because we would talk about it, or be told about it in class. If students are giving more incentive to read the chapter the conversations toward the end of the year might have been as interesting as they were at the beginning of the year.

The morning lectures from the professor that were scatter-brained.

The class discussions were good, but I had more stimulating discussions with my peers in the dorms and my family over the phone than some of the subjects we discussed in class either between peers or even with the teacher who tended to go off on tangents and would lecture on issues which are irrelavant to the topics at hand.

The professor talked through entire classes. Most people (if any at all) could not finish their presentations because he would interrupt and start talking. Once he starts talking, he does not stop. It was rude and very annoying because I spent hours on presentations and only ended up presenting tiny fractions of them. Worst of all, it is very difficult to follow what he is saying. If he talked a lot about important things in a clear manner, that would be fine. But he goes off in confusing rants full of unrelated points. He also talks way too fast. I used to ask him for help, and he would always seem willing to help, but he always managed to give me a 30-minute answer that, for some reason, did not address my question. I do not want to criticize too much. All I ask is that he speak more slowly and that he stay focused once he starts speaking instead of going into a time-wasting rant.

15. The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	6	0.52	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (67%)	2 (33%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.17	6	1.47	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	1.51	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)

18. The instructor was able to stimulate and lead group discussions.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
2.67	6	1.63	Freq(%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)

19. I received personal attention from the instructor.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	0.82	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (50%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)

20. The instructor was accessible to students outside of class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	0.89	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)

21. The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.83	6	0.98	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)

22. The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.83	6	0.75	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)

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

He is easy to talk to, although he's not always so easy to understand. He's friendly and I can tell he means well and has a good spirit. I did appreciate him sharing his thoughts and ideas in class.

He gave a shite about what he was doing.

You know so much! Just some times you got caught on a tangent which sometimes I found helpful and others times not so helpful.

He was very knowledgeable. He had a fresh way of perceiving certain things in life I usually would not have thought about.

Not be be rude but kind of N/A

He is always willing to help before and after class and in his office.

24. What two or three single words best describe this instructor?

Friendly, opinionated, talker!

Talkative, bright, enthused.

talkative, knowledgeable

talkative, interetsing, open-minded

Insightful, educated, wordy

Very talkative

25. I am generally pleased with the materials (texts, handouts) required for this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	0.52	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	4 (67%)	0 (0%)

26. The course was a valuable contribution to my education.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.33	6	1.37	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)

27. The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
2.83	6	1.47	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)

28. Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.33	6	1.63	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)

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

interesting! a nice experience!

Fun fun fun

a good experience, the class could have been more involved but I feel that we weren't because we didn't want to. Thank you!

It was extremely subjective. I feel the professor could have provided more guidance; however, I truly enjoyed the class discussions. I was interested in a lot of the up-to-date subject matters we discussed. I did not enjoy the lectures that jumped from subject to subject, sometimes completely unrelated to what the topic was.

Needs more structure.

Very disappointed. Most things I learned from this course, I learned at home by reading the text. Classes were almost a complete waste of time. My classmates always had great presentations, but the instructor would not let them finish! People would actually put their heads down or close their eyes while the professor talked!

Michael Weinstein: SOC 478, Fall 2009 Back to top

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Sociology
Course:	SOC 478 - Analy in Field Rsch Methods	Crn (Section):	73821 (001)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.64	14	0.5	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (36%)	9 (64%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.21	14	0.8	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (21%)	5 (36%)	6 (43%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.27	15	1.33	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	4 (27%)	4 (27%)	2 (13%)	4 (27%)

4. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.07	15	1.22	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	1 (7%)	1 (7%)	5 (33%)	7 (47%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.07	15	0.96	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (13%)	0 (0%)	8 (53%)	5 (33%)

6. I developed enthusiasm about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.6	15	1.35	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	3 (20%)	2 (13%)	4 (27%)	5 (33%)

7. I learned a lot in this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.73	15	1.1	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	3 (20%)	2 (13%)	6 (40%)	4 (27%)

8. I developed greater awareness of societal problems.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.13	15	0.83	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	4 (27%)	5 (33%)	6 (40%)

9. I enjoyed this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.47	15	1.51	Freq(%)	3 (20%)	0 (0%)	4 (27%)	3 (20%)	5 (33%)

10. I gained a better understanding of myself through this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.6	15	1.3	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	2 (13%)	4 (27%)	3 (20%)	5 (33%)

11. I try to relate what I learn in this course to my own experience.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	15	1.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (13%)	1 (7%)	7 (47%)	5 (33%)

12. I learned more in this course than I expected to learn.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.53	15	1.41	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	4 (27%)	1 (7%)	4 (27%)	5 (33%)

13. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?

Writing better notes

the excersises

Interacting with classmates to gain better understandings and ideas.

Professor Weinstein is a very worldly person. He presented all the topics in a very different perspective.

This course helped strengthen and broaden my understanding of sociology and more over my sociological mindset and perspective towards the world in which we live. I have walked out of this class with a new understanding of how sociological processes affect individuals on a macro as well as micro level.

being able to do field notes on topics that I could relate to and not be given a topic that I was not interested on doing field notes on.

the discussions in class, and the exercises outside of class. the teacher taught what we were supposed to do, then we had to do it.

The objective of students owning their experience in the classroom. Also, Prof. Weinstein attempted to engage the students in discussions that at the surface level seemed irrelevant to field research but incredibly relevant to sociology and our own life experience. His approach to learning is an alternative system that most students aren't used to or appreciate. Overall, the flexibility of the course to improve on our work and not be tied down by one draft is priceless, as well as sharing our papers with the class.

14. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?

Talking about current events not related to projects.

The grading system was not clear. I felt like the instructor digressed a lot during his lectures and was not very focused. I found the group discussions unhelpful.

nothing.

The thing that i found least valuable was the way the instructor taught the course. There wasn't much guidance towards the projects that were done.

Class sessions weren't always as valuable as could have been. Sometimes lectures went off on tangents.

Nothing. All the assignments and readings were very relevant to the course.

none

nothing really. maybe the long discussions about current events. However, that is what the course is kind of about; life and being able to document it.

Often the instructor dominated conversations even though he invited input. It at times made it difficult or discouraging to contribute. However, the knowledge he has is incredibly valuable and his teaching style/philosophy is intriguing.

15. The instructor is enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	15	0.51	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (40%)	9 (60%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.6	15	1.24	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	1 (7%)	6 (40%)	2 (13%)	5 (33%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.86	14	0.95	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (7%)	4 (29%)	5 (36%)	4 (29%)

18. 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
3.93	15	1.03	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (7%)	5 (33%)	3 (20%)	6 (40%)

19. The instructor was accessible to students outside of class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.47	15	0.74	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (13%)	4 (27%)	9 (60%)

20. The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.27	15	0.8	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (7%)	0 (0%)	8 (53%)	6 (40%)

21. The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	15	0.51	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	9 (60%)	6 (40%)

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

Good written feedback.

The instructor would respond to emails right away and he was always available before and after class to talk to. He also handed back papers quickly, and gave back detailed feedback to help us improve our papers.

very enthusiastic about teaching and helping his students understand the material being covered.

He was always willing and able to communicate with you when you had problems as well as being very flexible with due dates.

Professor Weinstein is a very knowledgeable professor.

The most valuable thing about the instructor was his vast array of knowledge and wisdom concerning the materials specifically the theories that we studied in this course.

none

he was not worried about time tables. he allowed you to turn in work and make revisions at your own convenience.

In regards to question 21,and as an example of his philosophy, I think that the instructor lets the students set their own standards for themselves. Their educational experience is what they make it to be. Nothing appeared to be forced but encouraged, which helps students exercise autonomy in projects and really be creative about their work. I also sincerely his humanistic approach to learning through sharing and collaboration.

23. What two or three single words best describe this instructor?

Talkative, Run-on, Informative

Enthusiastic

enthusiastic, friendly, happy

confusing

Informative. Intelligent. Interesting.

Talkative, intellectual.

Enthusiatic, Knowledgeable, Speaker

passionate and intelligent

prompt, knowledgeable, challenging

Philosophical, Knowledgeable, Creative

24. I am generally pleased with the materials (texts, handouts) required for this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	15	1.18	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	1 (7%)	4 (27%)	5 (33%)	4 (27%)

25. The course was a valuable contribution to my education.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.87	15	1.06	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (13%)	3 (20%)	5 (33%)	5 (33%)

26. The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.57	14	1.4	Freq(%)	1 (7%)	3 (21%)	2 (14%)	3 (21%)	5 (36%)

27. Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.8	15	1.47	Freq(%)	2 (13%)	1 (7%)	2 (13%)	3 (20%)	7 (47%)

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

I wouldn't take this class again. It was a waste of time.

I think that the instructor is very enthusiastic about what he teaches and cares about his students. I really appreciated how he would return papers right away and write lots of helpful feedback. However, I found the lectures to be very long and unfocused. I also found the grading to be too arbitrary. It was not clear what his grading system was.

excellent.

This course was confusing and didn't teach much expect how to observe my surrounding better.

I found it at times to be very interesting.

Get read of the readings and do more field work assignments.

This course is very different than my other Sociology Courses in that I feel that a different side of my thinking pertaining to the Sociological persepective was activated and developed.

it was a good class to take and everyone should take it

good to take as a final capstone course. it is challenging yet rewarding at the end. the projects take time and thought, however, the workload is manageable. professor knows what he is talking about but sometimes does not tell the student exactly what the guidelines might be. he challenge them to figure it out on their own. overall a good course

My initial reaction to this course in the beginning of the semester was indifference. I hadn't enjoyed my previous experience in research methodology. However, this course was completely different and departed from the mundane research of surveys and statistics. My understanding of field research was limited but now I am aware of how far you can take field research and what kind of contribution you can make to the larger society.

Michael Weinstein: SOC 491, Fall 2009 Back to top

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Sociology
Course:	SOC 491 - Discus Grp Leader-Freshman Sem	Crn (Section):	73822 (001)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

4. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

6. I developed enthusiasm about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

7. I learned a lot in this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

8. I developed greater awareness of societal problems.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

9. I enjoyed this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

10. I gained a better understanding of myself through this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	6	0.82	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	5 (83%)

11. I try to relate what I learn in this course to my own experience.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

12. I learned more in this course than I expected to learn.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	6	0.82	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	5 (83%)

13. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?

Freshmen seminar was an amazing course. This style of learning allowed the freshmen students to learn sociology 100 material in an unique method.

The opportunity freshman seminar leaders get to test their own knowledge and abilities in extending knowledge to others. It is also a great experience in not only becoming a responsible student but also a leader. The expectations that we have of ourselves have contrasted, as I have noticed in our weekly meetings, but we all recognize our leadership qualities. I was able to influence students, be held accountable to them, and foster relationships with them. It is an amazing experience that strengthened my oral communication skills as well as allowed me to participate in creative learning and encouraging others to become responsible and active in their educational experience.

Weinstein knows how to relate to students. He isn't critical of our generation but merely interested in it. Basically in our classes we teach each other. I enjoy his casual lectures that relate to everyday societal issues.

At first, I expected the course to be pretty easy, but I have to say, it was a lot harder than I thought. It was a blast working with the freshman and helping them learn about sociology. I now have a better understanding of how I should work with younger students and feel that this experience has helped prepare me for my future endeavors.

14. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?

I wish we had class 3 times a week instead of two. There is so much sociology to talk about!

Honestly, I find nothing about the course that wasn't valuable or helpful to me in my experience now and future participation in advocacy work.

It is easy to zone off as Weinstein continually talks on tangents. His lectures have no structure which can be a good, but also bad thing. He should encourage us to talk more by asking questions.

Meeting on Mondays with all the other freshman seminar leaders was very helpful because we got to discuss current issues that I later passed onto my freshman. At the same time, we didn't really talk about issues about the freshman as much as I expected.

15. The instructor is enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

18. 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
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

19. The instructor was accessible to students outside of class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	6	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	6 (100%)

20. The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.83	6	0.41	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	5 (83%)

21. The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	6	0.82	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	5 (83%)

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

Very knowledgeable, simply a great person.

He challenged our perception of education. For the first time, it became a philosophical question and the long term goal of education wasn't as easy as employment. I previously felt that education reflected opportunity. However, the question of why we educate has been extended to how it is conducted. It also helped me to think more in depth about the consequences of our traditional education system. Students are hesitant to contribute to conversations, they become competitive, they don't challenge authority, and its hard for them to take ownership of the classroom. However, with Prof. Weinstein's Freshman Seminar, students are introduced to a learning environment that encourages sharing thoughts and personal stories by developing the sociological imagination, to learn from one another, and to take responsibility of their education. From all of this, I have gained an awareness of my experience in a traditional education system now that I am aware of alternative learning.

Weinstein is a great professor even in 478. He provides lots of feedback on papers and really helps you develop in becoming a better person. He makes you think deeply about the current issues in society and how it relates back to us. Weinstein has seriously been my favorite professor here at the university.

23. What two or three single words best describe this instructor?

Conscious, motivating, flexible

awesome, helpful, intelligent

24. I am generally pleased with the materials (texts, handouts) required for this 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%)

25. The course was a valuable contribution to my education.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	5	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (100%)

26. The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	5	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (100%)

27. Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	5	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (100%)

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

More freshmen courses should have a freshmen seminar course format!

To avoid redundancy, I sincerely appreciate this opportunity to not only extend knowledge of sociology to 10 freshman. But also to experience the success and failures I had in engaging students in discussion. It has raised my self-confidence but also given me hope about the future generation of university students.

Great class- I think this class helped me grow as an individual. It was a completely new experience that I enjoyed very much. I strongly feel that freshmen seminar classes should continue because the freshmen enjoyed being taught by someone close to their age, and it was a good review for me as a sociology major to teach the subject matter as well as take leadership.

Awesome!!! Definitely glad I took freshman seminar, especially since it's Weinstein's last time before he heads over for his sabbatical. Hopefully he'll be back for Fall 2010 so I can see him again! This was very helpful and I feel really great to have taken this as a senior undergraduate in sociology!