Factors Influencing Student Evaluations of Teaching: A Descriptive Study

Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) provide educators feedback to improve the quality of instruction; however, response rates often are low. Incentives may be used, but there is limited data on their effect on SETs response rates and course means. This study used a descriptive study design. A total of 250 courses were included in the data review. SETs response rates were significantly higher in those courses that offered an incentive, yet course means were higher in courses that did not offer an incentive. SETs response rates were higher for required courses; course means were higher for non-clinical and elective courses. This study adds to the body of evidence regarding the use of incentives for completing SETs and other factors that may influence response rates and course means. This study found that incentives increased response rates on SETs without affecting course ratings.