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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Baybars   Karacaovali
  TA: ${survey.ta} :
  ECON321, Fall 2016

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ECON 321 - Introduction to Statistics
Department:   Economics Crn (Section):   77037 (002)    
TA: Anton Nikolaev


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) 
3.23 138 0.79   0(0%) 25(18%) 60(43%) 51(37%) 0(0%) 2(1%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.66 136 0.47   46(34%) 90(66%)
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) 
4.65 140 0.68   1(1%) 0(0%) 10(7%) 25(18%) 104(74%)
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) 
4.62 138 0.71   1(1%) 2(1%) 6(4%) 30(22%) 99(72%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.52 140 0.78   1(1%) 2(1%) 13(9%) 31(22%) 93(66%)
6.   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) 
4.33 137 0.9   1(1%) 5(4%) 19(14%) 35(26%) 77(56%)
7.   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) 
4.01 140 1.07   2(1%) 13(9%) 28(20%) 36(26%) 61(44%)

8.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
lecture notes
All the resources that Professor Karacaovali has made available to students.
How statistics is beneficial for many fields
I feel like the different statistical ways of calculating percentages of certain samples was a good thing to know if I were ever to work in a business and had to depict the upcoming economy.
The worksheets were really helpful in studying for exams.
Professor Karacaovali was able to make the course very interesting and relatable to every day life. And he was also able to teach us how we could use statistics in our daily lives and in our other courses.
Just the general knowledge of probability was useful and i understand why it is necessary to have this course when trying to get into medical school.
I appreciated all of the practice problem sets and the practice exams offered. They really solidified my knowledge of the material going into the exam. Thus, I was familiar with everything on the exam.
The learning opportunities available
It was very applicable to the real world
The real world analogies of key concepts in the class.
I like that we have i clickers to participate in class. This way not only are we getting the lecture but we are also applying that knowledge after getting the lesson.
Understanding more about statistics to put it to use during job or work requirements
Handouts are printable on Laulima
Learning about frequencies and probabilities were the most valuable for me.
In class lectures were the best place and time to learn the information.
Professor Karacaovali always went over the questions slowly and clearly so that we can all understand the process of how to calculate certain things. Even though it is a huge lecture hall and no one really asks questions, I feel like everyone gained a better understanding of the material thanks to his frequent and thorough examples.He went over the quizzes pretty often as well, especially for the questions that a lot of students got incorrect. I believe that Karacaovali is an excellent professor who really cares about his students and genuinely wants them to do well in his course.
Prof. Karacaovali provided a massive amount practice problem sets, practice exams, and other additional material to help the class understand the content matter of the course, as well as prepare us for how the exams are formatted and such.
practice exams
.
The practice problem sets and exams as supplementation to class lecture.
The sections on probability, since they are so applicable to everyday life.
Going over many examples in class
I really liked that participation mattered a lot because i think it's super important. I also liked the consistent quizzes and homework assignments that helped solidify the material.
The fundamentals of economics and the professor being very kind and accessible.
The time that Baybars took to review the online problem sets on a regular basis and also his commitment to making sure that students grasped the fundamentals.
it was a good course to gain some knowledge on Economy. The professor was very fair on everything.
I found the earlier chapters more readily applicable to everyday life.
the things most relatable that can be used in everyday life like probability
He gave a lot of chances to improve your grade if you need it, such as providing computer assignments as bonus points. He also included formula sheets that we'd need in the exams, which were very helpful because a lot of the equations can be complicated and they would be hard to memorize. The material was not very
everything
Teacher did not waste time and explained all examples
The practice problems were very helpful in understanding the questions. I also was thankful that Prof. Baybars uploaded the lecture slides with all the drawings and notes from in class. Additionally, I thought having the practice/sample exams were also very helpful.
Hypothesis testing Probability
How the material was presented. The way that the instructor broke down concepts and built them on one another. He didn't just hand us a text book, he actually taught us all the concepts by himself. He wants us to succed. He gives us plenty of former test and problem set so we have examples of all be on the test. His tests are fair and reflect what we learned class. I love the system of having the computer on the big screen and having him be able to write on it. On of best prof ever had. A+ grade got him.
In every part that can be related to every day life, like probability
The basic principal of probability and statistics that can be applied to our daily lives were the most valuable.
I know understand how to calculate certain values that I would usually just google or look up. It is good to understand what components makes up these values and how these components connect to other components.
All of them
He provided real life examples and worked out problems on his slides
Learning probability and applying it to real life
Statical knowledge being taught
The handouts were very helpful and offered a good outline for each class.
The power points with the notes were good for reviewing for tests.
Practice exams and problem sets
The most valuable were the online quizzes because it would reflect on whether I understood the information gathered from the lectures.
The actual times we could apply statistics to our daily lives.
Problem set questions
I liked that he used real world examples. I also liked that he showed us short videos to emphasize a point.
Opportunities to get credit. there are many materials to study.
The handouts were great and usually have step by step explanations on how to solve problems. The organization of the course helped a lot too, and made it easy to focus on one subject at a time.
provided lecture slides and handouts to fill out.
The practice set problems really helped to understand each concept well and to prepare for exams.
Learning statistics
-He has many examples, printed handouts so we can follow them. -he also posts up power points slides in case we missed it/double check with our work -he provides us with sample examples, and answers to them to help us study -he was easy to understand, or go to when we need help -he goes over the practice problems and few of the homework problems.
In class activities, and going over problem set questions and practice questions.
Awesome teacher. Very helpful
I believe all aspect of the course were valuable since statistics is something that you used in many fields. For example, learning about null and alternative hypotheses, p- values and the t-test is something that we went over briefly in one of my biology labs.
The problem sets that we did together in class. His assignments and their flexibility helped me finish the homework over the week
I found that the computer assignments were helpful. Those you can apply to other subjects.
refreshed my knowledge of basic stats.
The sheer amount of practice material was extremely helpful in preparing for the exam. The papers that go along with the lecture also was helpful.
The course was a good introductory experience on how I will be able to utilize statistics when I work in more lab based classes.
Applied methods, more frequent/less bulky tests
The provided problem sets and sample exams were very useful and great study tools.
-The interesting videos we watched in class and hands on examples on the smart board.
Professor Karacaovali gave us plenty real life examples to apply these beginning statistic principles to
very helpful
The Papers he gave us to use for notes, that really helped.
The lecture slides as well as all the charts being online, and the chapter problems along with the sample exams.
On screen demonstrations
The study guides and printable section papers were very helpful.
The slides posted on Laulima with the writing
Probably when he does iclicker questions to recap what we just learned and the study test questions that are given with each work packet.
the practice problems and hw
Hypothesis testing
the real world applications of statistics
The extra credit assignments and the percent of participation as well as the handout notes were valuable to me in this course because these all made the class more easier to handle with all my other classes.
The formula sheets were very helpful and valuable.
Writing out all of the equations and problems and breaking them into steps helped me to do the work on my. I am horrible at math and watching them being solved was essential to understanding them. Also, the material was not rushed but clearly explained.
Powerpoint slides posted on laulima, practice exams
I like how there were formula sheets for the exams, and handouts for the notes because it was really helpful. I also liked how there were practice problems/exams and extra credit. The computer assignments showed how this course could be applicable to the world.
examples and study lessons provided
Availability of the teacher and TA


9.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
monotone
Learning about the definition of hypothesis was probably the least valuable, because everybody should know that already; we are in college.
N/A
I thought the beginning where we just focused on the fundamentals of probability was a little slow, however it may have been useful for other students.
The TA
I will probably never use it in my profession
I understand that exams and testing are an integral part of testing our knowledge, but I felt it was the part of the class that I fell short and didn't really feel that it contributed to my learning.
N/A
N/A
Not sure, most of it was valuable to me.
Many students had problems with iclickers
Nothing. Every aspect of his course served a purpose.
Homework wording was confusing at times.
.
I feel the class as a whole is efficient.
N/A
short video clips
I didn't like that the problem sets and practice exams were not similar to the tests questions. The test questions were always harder than the practice problems and test questions.
Nothing.
none
The later chapters weren't quite as valuable, but were still valuable nonetheless.
the last section on the final. do i really need this?
nothing
I have no interest in stats so it was hard to concentrate
Standard deviation (I learned it in high school)
See above
The parts that had no importance to every day life like t tests
N/A
I think everything has been quite valuable.
None
Some slides were lengthy and some videos were not necessary
I just don't really feel like I will used statistics that much in my life
N/A
Nothing, I found everything valuable.
The computer assignments.
some computer assignments didn't really help me
I thought that the computer assignments were the least valuable because I felt that I didn't understand it all and felt there was no way to know if I was doing it right or not.
The amount of midterms.
None
none
Nothing
none
There were some computer assignments that I did not do this semester, but I feel that it was a good way to apply the concepts we learned to additional examples.
Everything is valuable
-I wish we had more trials/tries when we do our homework, instead of getting only 2 tries. With getting at least 3-4 tries on the homework, we will retain the information better.
none
not enough questions for test
I don't think think any aspects had no value.
He still needs to break down the explanations sometimes. A much more direct and simplified answer at first can help us grip the concept, then building upon the simple explanation can solidify our understanding of the topic. He often does the opposite sometimes foregoing the simple explanation all together.
extensive overview of test problems
iclicker usually ended up just being a random guess for most students, understand that it was mostly for attendance.
Some of the terminology and math were very much confusing considering we didn't need to take Calculus prior.
So many assignments.
-I found the computer assignments confusing.
nothing
Sometimes the class lectures didnt really make sense even though he tried really hard to make us understand.
Though the computer assignments were for extra credit, i felt that they were the least valuable aspect of this class.
Nothing
N/A
It might have just been the topic, but the lectures were just really hard to pay attention to. I think we need to do more practice problems in class.
the iclicker points
sampling distributions
math
The amount of questions on the exams were kind of troubling due to there being only 20 questions making each question worth more so it was easier to get points marked off.
It was hard to listen to a lecture that was longer than an hour. I would have preferred a shorter class time.
computer assignments
Nothing
strict due dates that are vague
Big class, hard to ask questions in class

10.   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) 
4.39 139 0.83   1(1%) 2(1%) 19(14%) 37(27%) 80(58%)
11.   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) 
4.39 136 0.84   1(1%) 1(1%) 22(16%) 32(24%) 80(59%)
12.   The instructor was well organized and prepared for each session.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 139 0.71   1(1%) 1(1%) 8(6%) 42(30%) 87(63%)
13.   Global appraisal: Considering everything how would you rate this INSTRUCTOR?

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Very Poor (1)  Poor (2)  Average (3)  Good (4)  Excellent (5) 
4.63 139 0.56   0(0%) 0(0%) 5(4%) 42(30%) 92(66%)

14.   Any comments about the TA?
only saw him once
Never even saw him.
No
We never saw him
The teacher was a bit monotone when presenting the information, which sometimes made it hard to stay concentrated in class.
I did not appreciate how one of our exams was pushed back because he made an error on the exam.
He messed up with our first or second exam so we had to postpone, which was good for us students, but caused stress to Baybars
Not good
Attending class and paying attention was a struggle. My friends and I would try to challenge each other to pay attention during class... but even that would tough.
The TA wasn't really there and he made a few grading errors throughout the semester.
TA could be more available for help with regards to the class
Great job going feedback on certain problems on the exam!
TA was nice.
There were certain points during the semester where the TA made some mistakes that pushed us behind the syllabus schedule. I understand that the TA is human, but I hope that he learns from his mistakes and double checks everything next time
none
.
Hardly saw them
No comments
We did not see the TA much in classes this semester, but he was accessible outside of class.
Anton was nice enough to meet with me outside of his normal hours to go over an exam.
Sometimes explaining things in a monotone voice got tedious.
Didn't know him bc he had a class during our class. That was bad bc we never could establish a relationship w him.
Very generous and understanding
N/A
Although we've never actually met him, he seems like a nice person. Can't really say much about him.
He wasn't in the class
He messed up my grades on exams, not once, but twice
None
No comment
Never saw him.
TA should be more careful when double checking the assignment / paper work.
Nope
N/A
none.
I never met with the TA for the course, but he seemed to cause quite a headache for the teacher. Making vital mistakes on printed exams and grading isn't cool.
Did not meet with the TA this semester.
He made a few mistakes in our exam. However, we ended up getting extra points so I won't complain.
N/A
none
For the most part, the TA did a good job grading our exams and computer assignments. I understand as a graduate student, he has a very busy schedule.
N/A
Never met him.
The TA was very helpful and easy to talk to.
Never met him.
great job for the test question
I never met him once because he never came to class
No
N/A
None.
He was never around. Didn't really get to meet him.
Try to have more office hours
Never saw him, but I'm sure he would have helped me with any problems I had.
I did not visit the TA for help or instruction.
n/a
He's good. Sad we couldn't really meet him though.
very good teacher. I recommend to everyone
N/A

15.   The instructor was fair in grading and criteria of grades.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.61 139 0.62   0(0%) 1(1%) 7(5%) 37(27%) 94(68%)

16.   Other comments:
The computer assignments are a bit tough and don't seem to have much to do with the course. I think it would be helpful if you did more examples in class especially if there are a large amount of students who seem lost (wrong iclicker answers).
This professor really tries to help student to be able to pass the class, and that's such a great and honorable thing to do.
I would take this course again and recommend it to other students.
I didn't really like that the class was very long. Most of the time, I felt myself falling asleep. The iClicker questions woke me kept me engaged, but I feel that wasn't enough participation. Maybe have the class three times a week instead of two, so that the class time is shorter, and students pay more attention.
most understanding math/economics teacher ever. Really knows what it is like to be a student and struggle in understanding these concepts.
Overall a good class. The instructor was very organized and prepared for each class. It is a difficult subject and the concepts are hard to grasp but I felt the instructor did well to help us understand.
N/A
N/A
none
.
Awesome professor, not interesting class.
No comments
Great course that challenged my thinking and was well made. I appreciate Professor Karacaovali's teachings and kindness within the course. He was very understanding and really wanted me to learn the subject at hand. Thank you!
I really enjoyed the videos he showed in class because it nice to not just look at papers and slides all the time, but to watch and hear about real life scenarios where statistics is used. I also liked that he did the example problems with us, but also gave us time to figure them out on our own. His exams are very similar to the problem sets he gives for homework and grades are posted up not too long after so we can see our progress in class. He provides many files for sample midterms and problems sets with solutions to help us study for the exams. Overall excellent teacher and I would definitely take him again if I could.
Loved the class loved the instructor. One of the best on campus BY FAR!!
The course was very interesting as the topics were often applied to real life scenarios.
Karacaovali is a great professor. Even thought the subject isn't the easiest to grasp, I found it enjoyable and Karacaovali is an enthusiastic and knowledgable prof.
He is a great professor
I would like to be able to review and correct mistakes made on exams. But we never get them back to see where we messed up and could improve.
The material was usually boring and made it difficult to come to class. Although the teacher incorporated some videos and seemed to care about students' interests, not sure how exciting you can make statistics to be.
Very good Professor. Understands the struggles of being a student. Understands that not everyone in his class is interested in the subject since most of the students are taKing this class as a requirement. He at least tries to make a boring subject interesting by adding funny slides and by showing interesting videos.
-wish we had more extra credits to do to help boost our grade up.
He is nice and friendly.
Dr Karacaovali was a really good professor and he made statistics easy to understand. I like how he has many extra credit in order to give us the chance to get the best grade possible. The only one comment I have is I wish he posted the answers to the exams on Laulima, even though they are not cumulative.
Never interacted w/TA therefore no comments.
Great class, definitely easier for non-math oriented students. However, can slowly get a little boring. Either way, best class I've taken in mathematics/econ!
I would suggest other students to take this course. Professor Karacaovali is great!
nothing
He's awesome!!!
Really great and organized class :)