A measure of college student trust in their instructor

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we aimed to develop a psychometrically validated instrument to measure college students’ trust in their instructor. Recent studies have shown that student trust is positively associated with desired outcome variables like student buy-in, engagement, final grade, and intention to persist in science. Clearly defining and measuring college students’ trust in their instructor can inform teaching strategies, enhance student performance, and create opportunities for more engaging classroom environments. Methods: We developed, collected, and validated a measure of student trust in their instructor. Results and discussion: We established the Trust and Responsiveness in Undergraduate Student Teaching (TRUST) instrument, a 9-item, two factor model. Factor 1 is titled Classroom Trust and Factor 2 as Interpersonal Trust. This instrument contributes to the higher education community’s ongoing efforts to increase student engagement and persistence.