Institutional approaches to evaluation of learning and teaching: A sector scan of Australasian universities

Abstract

Teaching evaluation is deeply entrenched in institutional quality assurance and is a feature of a range of policies including academic recruitment, promotion, and performance management. Universities must ensure that evaluation practices meet regulatory requirements, while balancing student voice and wellbeing. There is extensive literature examining the validity, reliability, and bias of student surveys, but limited focus on institutional evaluation strategies and what constitutes best practice. This study analyses and reports on the teaching evaluation strategies and practices of Australian and New Zealand universities. All 29 participating institutions use standardised and centrally deployed surveys to evaluate teaching and participated in external student experience surveys to benchmark nationally. Comparisons are provided between the strategic intent of evaluation; survey practices, technology, analysis, and reporting; and the use of other nonsurvey methods. The study informs higher education institutions’ evaluation strategy, policies, and practice and provides an agenda for reframing approaches to evaluation of teaching.