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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Nodar   Sitchinava   ICS311, Spring 2019

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 311 - Algorithms
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   81844 (001)    


1.   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) 
4.67 12 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(33%) 8(67%)
2.   The teaching assistant was available for consultation.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 12 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(42%) 7(58%)
3.   Reading 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) 
4.67 12 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(33%) 8(67%)
4.   The instructor communicates effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.67 12 0.65   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(8%) 2(17%) 9(75%)
5.   The instructor is enthusiastic about teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.83 12 0.39   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(17%) 10(83%)
6.   The instructor was clear with course requirements and grading expectations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.67 12 0.65   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(8%) 2(17%) 9(75%)
7.   Considering everything, how would you rate this INSTRUCTOR?

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Very Poor (1)  Poor (2)  Average (3)  Good (4)  Excellent (5) 
4.58 12 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(42%) 7(58%)
8.   Did the instructor present material effectively?

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.5 12 0.8   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(17%) 2(17%) 8(67%)
9.   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 12 0.65   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(8%) 6(50%) 5(42%)
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) 
4.58 12 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(42%) 7(58%)
11.   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) 
4.75 12 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(25%) 9(75%)
12.   The course objectives were clear.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 12 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(42%) 7(58%)
13.   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) 
4.45 11 0.52   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(55%) 5(45%)
14.   The course was a valuable contribution to my education.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.75 12 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(25%) 9(75%)
15.   The instructor was available for consultation with students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 12 0.79   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(17%) 1(8%) 9(75%)
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) 
4.75 12 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(25%) 9(75%)

17.   What two or three single words best describe this instructor?
Knowledgeable and helpful
knowledgable, helpful, critical thinker
clear,
smart, helpful
Helpful, Difficult
Masterful, fair, inspiring
Knowledgeable, accommodating, challenging,
Prepared, Difficult, Helpful ,
N/A
Competent , Knowledgable
Knowledgeable and persistent

18.   My general evaluation of the instructor's teaching effectiveness.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Very Poor (1)  Poor (2)  Average (3)  Good (4)  Excellent (5) 
4.67 12 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(33%) 8(67%)
19.   The instructor treated students with respect.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.67 12 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(33%) 8(67%)
20.   The instructor demonstrated knowledge of the course content.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
5.0 12 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 12(100%)
21.   This course challenged me intellectually.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.83 12 0.39   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(17%) 10(83%)
22.   The instructor both sets high standards and helps students achieve them.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.83 12 0.39   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(17%) 10(83%)
23.   The instructor was available for consultation.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.55 11 0.82   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(18%) 1(9%) 8(73%)
24.   Considering everything, how would you rate this COURSE?

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Very Poor (1)  Poor (2)  Average (3)  Good (4)  Excellent (5) 
4.5 12 0.67   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(8%) 4(33%) 7(58%)
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 11 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 11(100%)
26.   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) 
4.33 12 0.78   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(17%) 4(33%) 6(50%)
27.   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) 
4.58 12 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(42%) 7(58%)

28.   Additional Comments
none
I think that for too much of the semester, I felt like I was worrying way too much over my grade. And that I was worried about passing even when I felt like I was understanding the material and trying my best. The grading felt harsh, but that was understandable. However, the exams were way too extensive (there were problems that were similar to those that took me 3 hours before, but I only had 75 minutes) and felt very unfair in this way, not enough time for problems that are too difficult. The class demanded way too much in terms of outside time, between homework and learning the material myself before the lecture classes, and I felt like my other classes took a huge back seat and my grades were falling in those other classes just to keep up with this one. I also didn't have time to enjoy myself this semester, even on the weekends. It felt like I was working throughout the day everyday for the whole semester and it was extremely exhausting and stressful, not knowing if I can complete what I need to do and if I could do it well enough to have what I am doing matter. Also, right when I feel like I am starting to truly understand the essence of a certain concept, we are moving onto the next concept that requires just as much attention and in the end, a lot of the things I learned felt like they were half-baked in terms of my comprehension of that concept.
N/A
I could not really understand most of the material when learning it at home. However, when we went over it in class, I understood it way more.
Dr. Sitchinava is an excellent professor will go out of his way to teach you the material. His course is extremely demanding, but you will greatly improve your knowledge of algorithm analysis and design.,
,
N/A
No other comments
Professor Nodari is very knowledgable in the subject and is able to explain complicated topics in ways that make them easier to comprehend. There is a lot of content gone over in class at a fast pace which makes it a bit difficult to catch up if you fall behind. Overall this class is very beneficial, informational, and definitely challenging.

29.   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) 
4.42 12 0.67   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(8%) 5(42%) 6(50%)
30.   The teaching-learning strategies used in the course encouraged active class participation

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.75 12 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(25%) 9(75%)

31.   What changes would you make in the lectures?
More review of the content in class, before the quiz.
I wish the recitation sessions just continued the group work assignments instead of going over the homework answers.
I think for the group exercises, I would have like to be guided more throughout the exercise. It felt like in a lot of the time spent for the activities, I was seeming completely lost and not knowing what to do. Things seemed to clear up when the teacher was explaining the activity, and that we were learning how to complete the task and I understood the essence of the algorithm or concept when he was explaining it. The group activities are the first time we are trying to solve problems like it, and we are only taught the concept through screencasts, textbook sections, and lecture notes before trying to apply it in class. I would say that more guidance would be appreciated, but not too much such that we are mindlessly following instructions and we still have to figure out the specifics of the process.
Go over main concepts before starting group work, so students aren't lost for the first 5 minutes.
Have the material be taught more in class.
I feel the lecture videos were great for learning the material.
Maybe a small initial lecture about the material before going into group work.
N/A
No idea what changes to make to further enhance course.
I liked doing in-class exercises but I think having Professor Nodari occasionally go through and explain topics could perhaps be beneficial especially since some lectures the class as a whole struggled to make progress on the exercises.


32.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
Algorithms and how to construct them
The proficiency of the teacher, proficiency of the T/A, and materials immediately provided in all their different versions (text, online, video) were the most valuable parts.
I believe that the concepts taught in this class not only taught me about specific algorithms and data structures, but also I also learned how to think creatively and logically and how to learn things at an accelerated rate. I also learned how to work through grim times and how to put aside things I enjoy.
learning how to push myself academically.
In class exercises and explanations by the instructor were helpful in understanding the material.
Work done in class and recitations.
The course was in depth in teaching analysis and design of algorithms. The materials gave a strong foundation to how to approach solving problems relatable to computer science.
Professor stepping in to explain problems better
N/A
The textbook, provided lecture notes based on textbook, instructional videos, and in class work were all valuable.
The in-class exercises are where I learned the most. Professor Nodari was very good at explaining the difficult and hard to understand topics from the textbook in a way that I was able to grasp and understand. He tried not to just provide answers but gave us hints or questions that served to guide us to the correct answer.


33.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
Black red trees
the least valuable were the recitation sessions where we just went over the homework answers. The T/A posts the homework answers online anyways so spending 50 minutes of class going over something already available online felt useless.
I am not sure whether I would say there was anything not valuable in the class, but everything demanded a lot of attention but I felt like it was hard to understand and remember everything in the time span given per week. And since completely different concepts are covered every week, it is difficult to truly comprehend everything the course teaches.
Going over the homework during Tuesday classes.
The textbook and notes were very difficult to understand without much prior knowledge or practice.
Flipped classroom
I feel I would have gained more if recitation was modeled like the regular class periods as opposed to reviewing the homework.
Note taking
homework due during the lab
No idea of what could be least valuable since everything provided was useful in some way to learning the content.
The homework was very difficult and confusing. Professor Nodari and our TA Kyle were available for questions but I feel like doing the homework didn't help me grasp the concepts as much as self-studying the lecture notes/videos as well as participating in in-class exercises did.


34.   What advice would you give to students, who might be taking this course in the future?
Take notes and view the course content for 2 hours at least
Do not fall behind. If you want to do well you'll probably have to spend 15-20 hours a week on this course.
Be ready to give up a lot of free time. And I really mean a lot of your free time. I didn't realize how tough doing that would have been until I have experienced it. Between the homeworks and studying for the upcoming classes (for the quizzes and in-class activity), I didn't have time to do much of what I wanted at all. Don't go out over the weekends, I went to a restaurant one time with my family, but it had me hard pressed for time to do the homework. The homeworks are also difficult and very time consuming (it takes about 5 hours to think of the general idea of solutions and about 5 hours to write out your answer and figure out the specifics of your solution, and finding out you missed something means you have to rethink the whole problem) and it is very easy to get a half-grade on the homework. Even when I tried my best, I would sometimes get such a grade. The homework stressed me out so much every week because it took so long to do and if I wasn't right on most of the details, I would get a low grade. The scary thing was that I knew if I got a low grade on a homework, I would have less of a chance to even pass on to higher classes. I regretted going out to that family dinner and was depressed due to stress over time that weekend. I had also planned on accomplishing things during my downtime as well (kind of like a life goal), but this time difficulty made it very difficult to do this and I eventually stopped pursuing it for the semester (it was a tough choice). But even when I decided to dedicate all of my time to schoolwork, I still had a hard time keepingup. It felt like even with all of the time in the week to do homework, it still didn't feel like enough. Also, don't underestimate the importance of studying for the class. In class, the teacher doesn't explain the material completely and only explains things that the students are stuck on. Also, if you get low grades on the quizzes, those low grades can also make it tough to pass, try to use the quizzes to raise your grade to make your grade a little safer, but it easy to flunk them if you don't know the trivia in the notes. Also, if you don't understand what you are doing, it is very difficult, a lot of times, the in-class exercise is similar to homework problems, so if you don't feel comfortable doing the in-class exercises, the homework will be a lot tougher. I am sorry, but I have no idea what kind of advice I could give on exams, they seemed way too difficult and thorough for the time given.
Do not work or take a heavy course load.
Go to office hours
Start homework early
Make sure you have a very strong background in discrete math, especially proofs by induction.
Ask questions, ask for help
do the homework early
Study hard, read as much as you can, work out problems as much as you can.
Make sure to really understand the material before coming to class. You can benefit a lot from the in-class exercises but only if you have a grasp of the material before working on the problem. If the textbook and lecture notes are too confusing the videos going over the topics may be helpful to watch since they provide visuals as well as commentary on the topic.