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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Baybars   Karacaovali
  TA: ${survey.ta} :
  ECON321, Fall 2017

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ECON 321 - Introduction to Statistics
Department:   Economics Crn (Section):   76295 (002)    
TA: Kang Zheng


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) 
3.03 115 0.97   7(6%) 22(19%) 52(45%) 31(27%) 0(0%) 3(3%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.73 115 0.45   31(27%) 84(73%)
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) 
4.7 116 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(3%) 29(25%) 84(72%)
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) 
4.62 117 0.57   0(0%) 1(1%) 2(2%) 38(32%) 76(65%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.44 117 0.7   0(0%) 1(1%) 11(9%) 40(34%) 65(56%)
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) 
4.26 117 0.85   1(1%) 4(3%) 13(11%) 45(38%) 54(46%)
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) 
3.91 117 1.0   2(2%) 7(6%) 31(26%) 37(32%) 40(34%)

8.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
Easy subject matter for Karacaovali but he takes his time and throughly explains everything to us. Nice use of overhead projection and in-class notes
Having notes for the lecture slides were really useful and having the formula sheet on the exams were also very helpful. Problem sets were also useful as you can still get 100% even if you only scored a 70%
That using the powerpoint to explain something the example and equation and help for student so much
The extra credit homework because they were fairly simple excel problems that weren't difficult to do. Also the note sheets that he prepares before each topic are really helpful because during the presentation we follow along and fill in the blanks that correspond to his powerpoint which helps when taking notes and when studying for the exams.
Learning about the new concepts the teacher made sure to go over a lot of examples so that we could understand better.
i clicker.
The handouts
Organized powerpoint and handout
The practice material for exams and such.
I valued how he already uploads a note taking template which made it easier for us to follow.
The aspects if the course that were most valuable is hard to say because I felt like every class lecture was valuable to make sure you understand the concept. For my self I found all class lectures and the printable handout to be valuable.
The most valuable aspects of this course was the concise information and explanation in instructing the concepts and problems of statistics. This subject alone is difficult and confusing, however, the Professor Karacaovali taught and explained statistic topics very coherently and concisely. In terms of course material, I greatly appreciate the time and effort that was put in, to make the handouts which we can easily print, bring to class, and follow along during lecture. I personally prefer physical copies so this was ideal for me. And I can keep them for future reference. Moreover, it was truly a relieve for me and my wallet when Professor Karacaovali mentioned that the textbook for his course was not required but recommended. The handouts alone are informational and sufficient for studying and understanding statistics (they're that good.)
Solving example problems during class was very helpful.
The course wasn't too rushed, felt like I am able to take something away from this class.
Stats are life.
Importance of statistics in the world.
2 opportunities to do quiz, ability to make up points lost in exams with extra credit, curves, attendance, etc. Lots of resources to practice.
Extra credit
The aspects of the course that was most valuable was learning many different topics and relating it to real life situations. Also, I felt that printing out the handouts, formulas, and practice test were very helpful in understanding the concepts that were being taught.
the videos helped a lot
doing the online problem sets helped me understand the concepts being taught in class. Also the Iclicker questions helped me too.
No comment
Learning about the data distribution as well as some of the basic terminology were useful because it helped me in understanding some of my other classes.
Able to understand and interpret data through statistics.
How stats applies in the real world, actual applications, data, studies.
I appreciated how the instructor broke every topic down and how we relied on his notes and understanding rather than a textbook.
The problem sets!
I liked how the professor printed out handouts for us to fill in, in place of taking notes.
Very informative throughout the lectures.
learning that stats could be misleading depending on how the research was done
I feel that the most valuable aspects of the course were: the application of statistical data, and the analytical aspect that was introduced.
- Exam preparation material (formula sheet, study exams, problem sets) - handouts, convenient to access and retain information
The beginning easy part
Al of it was really valuable.
Iclicker questions for examples and points.
Examples and practice problems
Definitely the ability to work through problem sets and sample exams for help on the exams.
His teaching style and notes
Lots of great examples and problem sets aided in understanding and the clear syllabus explaining extra credit took some of the pressure off if a student did t do well on an exam.
The lectures going over problem sets.
The most important I felt was that statistics data can give you an understanding and provide essential insight that are trustworthy. From the data, individuals can prevent any mistakes for next time as well as to make it better.
learning statistics is essential to the field that I am pursuing and learning how to figure out probability was the most important.
The handouts were a big help in understanding the material. Everything was so organized. There was ample practice problems and study material that was easily assessable.
I enjoyed learning about sections that I knew I could use in the future.
The simplicity of the lecture format, and the pace at which new concepts are learned
All even review because it better my understanding and made it more possible for me to apply this knowledge to other classes
Printed and Fill in the Blank handouts, homework problem sets that allow 70% passing (to deepen understanding), dropping the lowest homework and exam score.
really enjoyed the grading structure
Learning how to compare statistics and decide if the data we collected was significant.
Posting the lecture notes after class were extremely helpful and taking attendance using the iclickers was a good opportunity to receive credit for class. Additionally, the computer assignments were a really generous extra credit opportunity and good supplements for the class.
Going through the homework questions together in class because there were many difficult questions
Formulas for figuring out probability for real-world problems.
The provided lecture slides and handouts to help aid in being ingaged in the lectures.
The detailed descriptions and example problems
Lots of examples, his patience and his personality.
the way to do statistic
I think all material covered were most valuable.
great communication from the teacher. He was very available to answer questions and gave opportunities to boost grades. He provided lots of tools to succeed.
Problem sets and review days
Knowing a little more of how research is conducted and how they are calculated. The TA helped me greatly in tutoring me outside of class
I felt he is fair and gives us a lot of opportunities for extra credit and always available for office hours. His TA also is really helpful.
I thought the most valuable part of the class was when we learned about different types of distribution.
Practice problems and Online problem sets were the most valuable
I gained new knowledge and the contents are well delivered.
practice questions in class
I would say the exams.
Sampling probability as I want to work in field research and I can use these to help understand populations.
N/A
learning new concepts that could use in real life
Real life applications and example problems
The practice exams and problem sets
i gained a better understanding of statistics. great class overall.
Professor gave detailed handouts and thoroughly went over examples over several classes
Learning about research methods
Lectures and his extra credit problem opportunities, as well as his review sessions in class before the exam and all his optional assignments to gain more knowledge of the subject.
the most valuable aspect of this course was helping us understand what we are reading when we read papers that illustrate charts and graphs. I also like how there was extra credit for this class.
Being able to apply the material we learned in class to real life information.
Just learning to apply these stats to daily lifestyle was valuable
Practice Problems sets and many uploaded opportunities to practice the lesson.
The study guide/note taking papers were very helpful! I'm glad professor Karacaovali took the time to make those.
The effort the professor put into this course is the most valuable aspect in my opinion. He gives you every opportunity to succeed. He provides an interactive classroom, even in a challenging lecture hall style with 100 students. We have access to 2 practice problem sets, on top of what is already assigned, and then 2 practice exams before an actual exam. So if you actually give just a little effort to the class, it is very easy to be successful.
The details of each lecture.
Handouts were helpful and it was really nice that we did not have to purchase a book
Going through sample questions together.
Everything
The resources given to us through laulima was very helpful, especially when studying for the exam.


9.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
Exams were a bit hard Having the formula sheet was very useful but during class he breaks it down in a simpler format which looks different than the original formula. So you had to remember how that complicated formula broke down to apply it to the question. Computer assignments were also confusing. Weren't sure if they are extra credit or credit.
Do not use the book all just use powerpoint and handout
Everything in the course were valuable even if some were more difficult than others.
Sometimes we would go over some practice problems that were kind of useless, for me, I like to do the work myself in order to learn.
None
Sometimes the accent was a bit thick
More of definition more than applying into problems
The giant lecture hall with uncomfortable seats that were made for little people.
Going through the equations because they can get confusing.
The aspect of the course that were least valuable is the length of the class. It is really hard to retain a lot of math information in a long class period because after a while things start to get really confusing.
No aspect of this course was least valuable.
I think the way in which the material was presented could have been done with a bit more enthusiasm. Only, to more successfully intrigue the class.
I think something that could be improved that I felt was a bit lackluster was some tables.
N/A
Quiz have a specified date limits. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE QUIZES OPEN SEMESTER LONG IN CASE STUDENT HAS OTHER DUTIES LIKE CLUBS, SPORTS OR WORK. Projector handouts should be uploaded daily or updated, only takes a few minutes.
Videos
I found everything in the class very valuable because everything we were given or was able to print out was useful and it helped us gain a better understanding of what was being taught in class.
Sometimes it was boring
none really.
No comment
I didn't really find any aspect of the class to be of low value.
Learning about different equations. It's quite confusing.
Manual calculations.
While the non-cumulative tests greatly alleviated my course-load, I wish there were more review of the previous topics throughout the semester.
Probably iclicker attendance because the lectures are online and some people just learn better by teaching themselves. Lectures weren't always necessary if that makes sense
I did not like how large the class was. I also did not like how the classes were lecture heavy.
To be honest, a lot were valuable. No weak points, maybe the iClicker but then again it helped us.
some of the videos showed in class went pass me
I do feel that most of the content covered in the course, and some things may have been a bit general, but it was important to grasp these ideas in order to understand the more specific topics.
na
The ending hard part
Nothing.
The intensity of material/amount of material made it seem unlearnable
Statistics is dumb
Nothing, the course was prepared well and balanced different learning styles.
N/A
None
Everything that we covered was important, but doing computer assignments weren't that helpful.
The weight of attendance grade
I didn't like learning about the nitty gritty parts of stats.
The lectures can get a bit boring at times
None
Switching some power point slides too quickly.
would have liked to learn more about regressions
N/A
Nothing, it was a well put together course!
i did not find the videos that we watched in class to be helpful at all
The instructor had a very monotone voice, so it was really boring to pay attention in class.
Nothing
NA
I just don't like statistics, the course was fine.
N/A
N/a
A lot of the things werent relevant to my career
Although the subject can be a bit dry, the videos and his power points are very helpful. I wish I read my instructions for testing better, I would have graded better. Well, now I know.
Nothing in particular
none
The in class iClicker questions.
The beginning two lectures were repetitive for me, but I don't think they weren't valuable to refresh.
N/A
N/A
Formulas and tables
some of the videos
none
Some topics were less interesting than others
n/a
i-clickers.
the least valuable aspect of this course was how we reviewed for the tests. I think what we should have done is set up a review session on the days we don't have tests where the TA or instructor teaches us.
N/A
None
None
I don't think that incorporating number correct for iclickers was necessary. The questions were questions that we just learned and if you got one wrong it was an honest mistake. It is also hard to think of the correct answer when we get a short amount of time to answer. I think that students should get some time to discuss with those around before answering the iclicker questions.
I found none
The amount of questions on each test
The problem sets as you could not know which questions you got wrong in time for me to be able to study the concepts that I didn't know
The videos. They were enjoyable to watch and a necessary break in between lectures but not much information provided.
Nothing
The handouts weren't as helpful as I would have hoped.

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) 
4.4 116 0.68   0(0%) 0(0%) 13(11%) 44(38%) 59(51%)
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) 
4.53 116 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 7(6%) 41(35%) 68(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) 
4.67 111 0.53   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(3%) 31(28%) 77(69%)
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) 
4.53 116 0.67   0(0%) 0(0%) 11(9%) 32(28%) 73(63%)

14.   Any comments about the TA?
TA was great. It was a little hard to meet up with him to get my exam/computer assignments back but its understandable since he is a student too.
He is so awesome and helpful to student he had good in knowledge about the course.
The TA had conflicting schedules with the class time, so the TA wasn't able to be in our class time. So if we had a quick question we would need to email the TA or meet up in the TA's office times.
NO
no
Great kid, very interested in the subject. He'll do great things.
He's very enthusiastic
I really liked the TA, I mean I never spoke to him personally but I loved how every time he was in class, he'd always have the biggest smile on his face.
I did not meet with the TA during the semester, hence I have no comment about the TA.
N/A
Was very nice and accommodating.
Started to disappear after a few weeks and not there for exams.
N/a
The TA is very approachable and very helpful. If anyone ever needed help, the TA had office hours and was willing to help you gain a better understanding to prepare for the exams.
none
none.
No comment
He was nice and approachable, but I think he can improve his explanations.
No contact with TA.
I rarely saw the TA, but when I did he always had a nice smile on his face.
Good job!
The TA was very helpful when I missed an exam. He promptly set up a time for me to make it up.
Didn't talk to him so N/A.
I never met the TA but from what I saw in class I agree with all
N/A
Too hard
Did not talk to them much
He was a very happy guy and it was clear that he enjoyed his work and subject matter.
N/A
None
Could be more communicative
Always happy! Nice presence.
Very friendly
N/a never spoke to TA so wouldnâ??t have a good judgment
He knows his subject very well.
Our TA is always prepared with the extra pencils.
The TA hardly came to class because he had another class during our class.
Never saw him much.
Helpful, enthusiastic
Always happy and eager to help
The TA was so helpful and willingly came in early in the morning to helo me with my homework and concepts i did not understand
Very helpful and available.
I like how he is always smiling during class.
No
N/A
Super sweet
N/A Really there, understandable because he had a different class around the same time. But it would have been extremely helpful to have some that you could go up to and have them explain the topic to you in a less complicated way or a "simple" way of looking at it. Understanding these equations is hard work.
very friendly
None
Graded on a timely manner
cheerful
Cares about the material and the understanding of his students.
He was sweet.
Seemed helpful
He is well informed but it would be nice to see him to be in our class more but it cannot be done as he has his own classes
He's very nice!
Very enthusiastic and helpful.

15.   The TA is friendly and accessible.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.27 117 0.72   0(0%) 2(2%) 11(9%) 50(43%) 44(38%) 10(9%)
16.   The TA grades paper (exams, homework) fairly.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.31 116 0.73   0(0%) 1(1%) 14(12%) 45(39%) 50(43%) 6(5%)
17.   The TA was easy to talk with and available for consultation.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
3.97 117 0.88   1(1%) 2(2%) 29(25%) 38(32%) 33(28%) 14(12%)
18.   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) 
4.4 117 0.73   0(0%) 1(1%) 14(12%) 39(33%) 63(54%)

19.   Other comments:
Need to have book for the class if need more knowledge for understanding for the course.
The Professor sometimes didn't give us enough time sometimes to compute the math problem so we were forced to choose any answer with our iclicker
Loved Baybars. Great dude, helpful, and best econ professor I've had. I don't say this because he helps us out a lot by dropping grades and stuff, because he actually facilitates learning in his course and does so in a relaxed, cool manner. I wish the course was like 25 students in a room so we could work more 1 on 1 with him but even in lecture, he conveys the material so we'll. Thanks for a great semester, Baybars.
I may have gotten confused at time and did bad on some exams, but I overall enjoyed this class.
In the future, if more calculator use could be incorporated into the course. I understand it's important to understand and utilize the base equations; however, in the information era the equations can be googled in seconds. A Ti-84 can calculate binomial distributions in seconds.
Both teacher and TA are very helpful and friendly. Great role models.
Maybe the reason offers hours aren't utilized the most is because it is only tues/thurs, what if a students classes is all on tues/thurs and can only meet on other days?
N/A
I enjoy having this class, and would definitely take it again.
none
interesting class concepts are challenging but, I learned a lot in this class
None
somehow this course is hard to follow, especially for non-economy/math major students.
Thanks for a great semester!
none
Unpopular opinion, but maybe don't let 70% on quizzes translate to 100%. I think this let me settle and get lazy with the quizzes instead of trying to do good and try again. Maybe 90% translates to 100% instead.
Very knowledgeable instructor, and he is very fair in grading. I feel that the class content can be somewhat dry at times, but I suppose statistics is not the most exciting topic in the world. However, the instructor tries to make it as engaging as possible. I would definitely take this class again.
Too hard
Good class but hard and somewhat slow.
N/A
None
N/A
Wish instructor offered more office hours. They were limited.
Great class. I would recommend this professor to other students.
The professor is really dedicated, he always wants us to do better. All the lessons are well prepared and delivered.
None
none
It would have been helpful if review sessions for tests were set up on days we don't have classes.
TA wasn't very active with students but was friendly and overall good
-
Professor Karacaovali was excellent. He really cared about the pace of the class and the fact that not all students understand at the same pace. He provided many opportunities for students to grasp the material, and therefore has been a reason I decided to switch to ECON as a major. I truly enjoyed the content and the "joy of statistics" I wish to take another course from Karacaovali in the future.
Dr. Karacaovali is one of the best professors I have had. His investment into the resources for the class, and the firm stance that students don't need to spend the money on a textbook is such a welcome relief.
It would be nice to have more questions on the test
A great class. Heavy content but a great professor.
Great course, great professor, would take again!