Rate my prof ratings
I have always prioritized research. My appointment is never actually been in the core department of my discipline but in things adjacent to it (e.g journalism) so I have always felt it a challenge to take what I know from my PhD and research and funnel that into the classroom.
This year I was asked to step into to take over for the political science department’s second year methods course. I put my heart and soul into that class. Still my rate my prof ratings were terrible.
Lots of complaints dealt with me being disorganized, not answering emails, and not posting slides.
I guess I am biased but in my own mind the class was organized well enough. I did change due dates for two assignments. I did not post slides until after and I drew a hard line about not telling students what was going to be on the exam or that they could not have a cheat sheet. In the end the grade distribution was perfectly normal and average although they completely bombed the final exam and an easy second major assignment and some easy participation grades saved them. IClickers were a constant source of aggravation.
I dont’t know. If I can’t get good ratings after pouring my heart and soul organizing a class when will I ever?