University of Hawai'i eCAFE

eCAFE: Course and Faculty Evaluations

Instructor: Ashley Vaughan

Available Survey Results

Ashley Vaughan: ANTH 422,REL 422, Summer II 2012

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Anthropology
Course:	ANTH 422 - Anthropology of Religion	Crn (Section):	92298 (701)
Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Religion
Course:	REL 422 - Anthropology of Religion	Crn (Section):	92427 (701)

1. Class Level (pick one)

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Freshman	Sophomore	Junior	Senior	Grad	Other
4.0	18	0.49	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	14 (78%)	2 (11%)	0 (0%)

2. Course

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Elective	Required
1.22	18	0.43	Freq(%)	14 (78%)	4 (22%)

3. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.17	18	0.71	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (17%)	9 (50%)	6 (33%)

4. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.44	18	0.7	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	6 (33%)	10 (56%)

5. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.39	18	0.7	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	7 (39%)	9 (50%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.44	18	0.62	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	8 (44%)	9 (50%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.44	18	0.51	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	10 (56%)	8 (44%)

8. I developed the ability to carry out original research in this area.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.5	18	0.51	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	9 (50%)	9 (50%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.39	18	0.7	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	7 (39%)	9 (50%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	18	0.77	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (17%)	6 (33%)	9 (50%)

11. I learned a lot in this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	18	0.69	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	8 (44%)	8 (44%)

12. I reconsidered many of my former attitudes.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.06	18	1.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	5 (28%)	4 (22%)	8 (44%)

13. I developed more confidence in myself.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.28	18	0.57	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	11 (61%)	6 (33%)

14. I developed skills needed by professionals in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.39	18	0.5	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	11 (61%)	7 (39%)

15. I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.11	18	0.76	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	1 (6%)	11 (61%)	5 (28%)

16. The instructor inspired me to be critical of ideas and materials.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	18	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	1 (6%)	7 (39%)	9 (50%)

17. Which aspects of the course were most valuable?

The most valuable part of the course was the field work. This constituted the basis of the course, and really was a substitution for attending lectures.

the readings

What was most valuable about this course was the ethnographic research project. Not only did it give me the opportunity to go out into the field, but also to use our knowledge from class and apply it to hands-on experience.

Ashley is excellent at communicating with her students. She helped me a lot and was always available for questions I may have had.

The field work we were required to carry out.

The simpleness of the course itself allowed me the freedom to focus on my ethnography, most importantly, rather than dividing my attention with other course materials. The field work involved is a great learning experience.

I actually think that the most valuable part of the course was the outside research that I did on my own, that led me to amazing and life-changing new conclusions. This was prompted by my own research, however, although I do give credit to the course in some ways, because I wouldn't have gone ahead with gathering the information for writing the final paper.

Receiving feedback from other students.

The amount of readings. It was a lot, but very helpful

The comments that ashley left for me helped me devlope my papers and my writing skills. Her comments are very supportive and encouraging.

everything in this course was well structured. the due dates were set and ashley made sure to give due dates for every part of the final project: notes for our paper & field work, outline, topic submission, etc. it helped to be held to her standard and be held accountable by having those due dates set.

The aspects that were most valuable of this course were: -the assigned readings -field work

I appreciated the fact that this class was online. It made it easier because I did not have to commute. Intellectually, I gained a sense of confidence in putting myself out there and gathering data and conducting mini interviews, as was part of our final research project.

18. Which aspects of the course were least valuable?

Probably discussion of material and our fieldwork journals.

discussion on other peoples work

Nothing. I believe the work load is just right and each assignment has a strong purpose for the class. Unlike other classes that are available which seem to be primarily busy work.

I would have benefited from lectures given by Ashley as opposed to just reading materials. I did enjoy the class but I think I would have learned more about the subject matter.

The structure of the peer responses.

I'm not sure I understand the question. A better question could be, what were my least favorite things about the course? To that, I would say the persistence of the teacher on using the articles she posts every week, as resources in my own writings. I know she tried hard to make it fit, but it simply didn't have anything to do with my subject matter and was unnecessary to try and talk about those writings.

I found value in every aspect of the course.

There could have been more interaction

I enjoyed it all

None that I can think of. All aspects proved to be valuable in one way or another.

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.76	17	0.97	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (12%)	4 (24%)	7 (41%)	4 (24%)

20. The instructor puts material across in an interesting way.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.89	18	0.9	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	2 (11%)	10 (56%)	4 (22%)

21. The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.11	18	0.83	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (28%)	6 (33%)	7 (39%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.11	18	0.83	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (28%)	6 (33%)	7 (39%)

23. The instructor was effective in meeting the objectives of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.29	17	0.47	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	12 (71%)	5 (29%)

24. The instructor treated students fairly.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.61	18	0.5	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	7 (39%)	11 (61%)

25. The instructor suggests specific ways students can improve.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.44	18	0.62	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	8 (44%)	9 (50%)

26. 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
3.94	18	0.94	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	5 (28%)	6 (33%)	6 (33%)

27. The instructor was willing to help.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.61	18	0.5	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	7 (39%)	11 (61%)

28. The instructor seems well prepared for each class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.11	18	0.83	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	5 (28%)	6 (33%)	7 (39%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.06	18	1.06	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	3 (17%)	0 (0%)	8 (44%)	7 (39%)

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

Probably make a required post on an assigned reading for everyone to discuss.

she is very interactive and involved with her students

I personally think the class is taught well, but one way you could improve the course is by giving more feedback on the students turned-in assignments.

Now that the course is over I would suggest one thing, to upload an audio file lecture once a week to go over the reading assignments and help us connect ideas.

I think by allowing more student freedom, that would be better as far as the reason I gave above about using her resources into my paper. It just doesn't make sense. Another way to make the course more comprehensive and interesting is to include videos to watch every week. I find reading ethnographies quite dry, and she simply posted too much reading. She would post maybe four or so readings, and each would be 30+ pages. That is too much!

Individual feedback on assignments.

Generate more discussions about readings to incorporate them more

Maybe aside from the required reading, some extra postings of other material for reading. Maybe some links or websites that help us understand the material.

for a summer course, i thought a couple of weeks had a heavy amount of reading. i thought about a once-a-week class i had during the regular semester that revolved around article readings sent out to the class, and i dont think that class had as much reading.

Since this was online our class wasn't able to meet in person, thus not having a chance to have actual class time with Professor Vaughan. However, seeing how concerned she was with her students doing well and provided great feedback each week on our assignments, I'm sure she is an excellent educator.

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

helpful thought ful inspiring

Punctual, interactive, knowledgeable.

excited, young, ambitious

Helpful, attentive, enthusiastic

Sincere. Young.

She is a new teacher. I'm not sure if she is a graduate or PhD student, but I don't think she's ready to teach college-level courses.

Organized, helpful, understanding.

dedicated, informative, understanding

Helpful Fair promising

intelligent efficient

Organized, concerned, and enthusiastic.

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Very Poor	Poor	Average	Good	Excellent
4.41	17	0.71	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (12%)	6 (35%)	9 (53%)

33. Assignments make students think.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.22	18	0.65	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (11%)	10 (56%)	6 (33%)

34. Directions for assignments are clear and specific.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.39	18	0.61	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	9 (50%)	8 (44%)

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

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.28	18	0.75	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (17%)	7 (39%)	8 (44%)

36. Exams are reasonable in length and difficulty.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.65	17	0.86	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	10 (59%)	3 (18%)	4 (24%)

37. Online communication with class members and the instructor helped me to learn course materials in an effective manner.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree	N/A
4.11	18	0.83	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (6%)	2 (11%)	9 (50%)	6 (33%)	0 (0%)

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

Helped me think outside of the box.

Honestly, I had to mark neutral for many of the questions because this class wasn't really an instructor driven class. The main focus, however, was participating in field work and gaining experience observing a different culture. For me, I thought I truly benefited from taking this class because until now, I have been fairly unexposed to actually participating in another culture. However, I could see how some might take this class for granted and not put effort into pursuing their own research.

great

Excellent.

I dug it

Very good.

This course is interesting, fun, informative and challenging. I would recommend this course taught by this teacher to anyone interested in the social sciences.

I learned a lot, but the only reason I did was because I did my own research.

I most enjoyed being able to get out among people to conduct field work on a topic of my choice.

The readings provided made it valuable. I am glad I got to read them all.

awesome

i really like this class. there is a treasure trove of information to it. i wish i had been a better student and applied myself.

Worthwhile. I would recommend this course to people interested in Religion.

39. Other comments:

It was very interesting to learn how to conduct field work and research.

I thoroughly enjoyed the class, however, Ashley should consider creating a separate discussion for reading where she can help guide students. But I also understand where she's coming from, in that leaving the students greater flexibility might allow them to come to conclusions on their own. I guess it really depends on your teaching style and what works best with you. Cheers.

Thanks Ashley!

thank you so much