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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Nodar   Sitchinava   ICS691, Fall 2014

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 691 - Topics in Software
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   79964 (001)    


1.   Class Level (pick one) - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Freshman (1)  Sophomore (2)  Junior (3)  Senior (4)  Grad (5)  Other (6) 
5.33 3 0.58   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(67%) 1(33%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.0 3 0.0   3(100%) 0(0%)
3.   The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
5.0 5 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(100%)
4.   The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
6.   The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(80%) 1(20%)
7.   The instructor presented concepts clearly and effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(80%) 1(20%)
8.   The instructor was accessible to students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)

9.   What did you like best about the course?
Learn parallel skill
I liked that the material was advanced and explained well. I had not seen most of the material and there is not a lot of information about it on the web because it is mostly new and novel, but I was able to learn it well through the lectures.
I enjoyed the class discussions. I got a lot out of them and I enjoyed that Prof. Sitchinava did not mind off topic questions.
Understanding the essence of parallel computations, and the thrilling (drilling) of solving homework.


10.   How can the instructor improve the teaching of this course?
More Slowly
Overall the course was well taught. My only suggestion would be to perhaps have more concrete examples about the applications of some of the algorithms presented.
I think the project should be better defined and/or some examples should be made avaiable early on.
Slightly better preparation of detailed algorithms and proofs to be presented in class. (Or assigned reading beforehand to make it more interactive.)
Well, using the chalk was good at the beginning to explain basic concepts. However, when the problems become more complicated or too verbose (pipeline method), I think it was better to have slides, or lecture notes available for two reasons: 1- nicely made pictures can sometimes explain more than hasty pictures. 2- it is easy to refresh concepts about previous talks and definitions (going back on slides). Relying on students to do their homework and study before class is something ideal in my opinion. Some definitions need time and practice to sip into our minds. In stating the homework problems, it wasn't easy to decode a statement like (algorithms mentioned in class). Naming or numbering system will do the job.

11.   Global appraisal: Overall how would you rate this COURSE?

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Very Poor (1)  Poor (2)  Average (3)  Good (4)  Very Good (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
12.   Global appraisal: Overall how would you rate this INSTRUCTOR?

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Very Poor (1)  Poor (2)  Average (3)  Good (4)  Very Good (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)

13.   Why did you choose to take this course? (It fulfilled a focus designation (WI, E, OC, HAP, etc.), POLS major/minor requirement, major/minor requirement for another department, time and day(s) of the week it was offered, instructor, subject matter, etc.)
Learn parallel
I choose to take this course because I was interesting in parallel processing and knowing something about parallel algorithms seemed useful.
because of the following: 1- instructor 2- interested in course subject

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

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
15.   I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.89   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 1(20%) 3(60%)
16.   I learned a lot in this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)
17.   I generally understood the material presented in this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.89   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 1(20%) 3(60%)
18.   I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)

19.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
Parallel algorithm is useful
I thought the most valuable aspects were the focus on prefix sums and the most fundamental techniques in parallel computing.
The class discussions.
The first homework (in-class) was really helpful. In general all homework problems was in the heart of the course.


20.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
too heavy of homeworks
Some of the more obscure algorithms did not seem as important, such as convex hull and connected components.
The homeworks. I didn't get much out of them. I think had there been more, but smaller questions I would have gotten more out of it.

21.   The instructor gives clear explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
22.   The instructor stresses important points in lectures/discussions.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
23.   The instructor puts material across in an interesting way.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.84   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 2(40%) 2(40%)
24.   The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.84   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 2(40%) 2(40%)
25.   The instructor appears to have a thorough knowledge of the subject.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
5.0 5 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(100%)
26.   The instructor seems knowledgeable in many areas.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)
27.   The instructor slowed down when discussing complex and difficult topics.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
3.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%) 0(0%)
28.   The instructor was able to explain concepts clearly and effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.71   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 3(60%) 1(20%)
29.   The instructor broadened my understanding and grasp of the subject.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
30.   The instructor was effective in meeting the objectives of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
31.   The instructor has an interesting style of presentation.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(80%) 1(20%)
32.   The instructor's presentation of abstract ideas and theories was clear.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(100%) 0(0%)
33.   The instructor was enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
34.   The instructor acknowledges all questions insofar as possible.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
5.0 5 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(100%)
35.   The instructor is willing to meet and help students outside class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)
36.   The instructor makes me feel free to ask questions.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.89   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 1(20%) 3(60%)
37.   The instructor was professional.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
38.   Students in this course are free to disagree and ask questions.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
39.   The instructor seems well prepared for each class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.71   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 3(60%) 1(20%)
40.   The instructor presented the course materials in a clear and organized way.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(100%) 0(0%)
41.   In general, the course was well organized.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
42.   The amount of work required is appropriate for the credit received.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(80%) 1(20%)
43.   The amount of material covered in the course is reasonable.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)
44.   The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)
45.   The instructor makes the course difficult enough to be stimulating.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)

46.   How can the instructor improve the teaching of this course?
Slow down can make students understand more
Perhaps a bit more presentation of applications of some of the more obscure algorithms presented.
I think myself more on the engineering side of cs and application or code examples would have helped with some of the algorithms.
See the box 10 above.


47.   What did you find most valuable and helpful about the instructor?
He is smart and work hard, have a strong understanding of this class
He was able to explain complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand.
Prof. Sitchinava clearly knows his algorithms and was able to answer most questions.
see 19 above.


48.   What did you find least valuable and helpful about the instructor?
Speak too quickly while the problem is difficult


49.   Please list your suggestions for improving the course and/or the instructor's teaching style and methods.
Slow down and make a whole picture before intruduction to an Algorithm


50.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
GOOD
A very good professor. Very knowledgeable about the subject matter and was able to answer very difficult questions well.
Pretty good.
Great instructor inside the class and outside the class. I wish to take other classes with him.

51.   Assignments (papers, problem sets) seem carefully chosen.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.71   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 3(60%) 1(20%)
52.   Assignments are interesting and stimulating.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
53.   Assignments make students think.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)
54.   Assignments require a reasonable amount of time and effort.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.71   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 3(60%) 1(20%)
55.   Assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%)
56.   Assignments are graded fairly.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.5 4 0.58   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(50%) 2(50%)
57.   Student presentations significantly contribute to this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
3.8 5 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 4(80%) 0(0%)
58.   Student presentations in class are interesting and stimulating.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(100%) 0(0%)
59.   Class assignments provided an effective aid for learning the subject matter.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
60.   The course materials (texts, handouts) make a valuable contribution to the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.0 5 0.71   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 3(60%) 1(20%)
61.   The instructional materials (e.g., texts, handouts, etc.) were relevant to course objectives.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.2 5 0.84   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(20%) 2(40%) 2(40%)
62.   In relation to the number of hours spent in class, this course requires an appropriate amount of homework.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
3.6 5 0.89   0(0%) 1(20%) 0(0%) 4(80%) 0(0%)
63.   The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(40%) 3(60%)
64.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.4 5 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(60%) 2(40%)

65.   Which aspects of the course did you like the best?
Learn a lot
Some of the assignments were thought-provoking and took a lot of time to figure out. It was fun trying to solve some of them.
See question 9.


66.   Which aspects of the course did you like least?
too heavy the work and it is hard to understand during the class
Some of the assignments were not entirely clear and that made them very difficult to work through.


67.   What changes would you make in the lectures?
study more
Slightly more emphasis on the justification and application of the more obscure algorithms.
I would space the homeworks out more. Perhaps make more of them that were smaller.


68.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
GOOD
A very good course. Important material for anyone in the field (or related fields).
Pretty good.
Great enjoyable course.


69.   State in two or three sentences how this course could be improved.
Slow down and explain more clear Not too much topics during a course


70.   Other comments:
Thank you!