Most University students can take part in anonymous surveys to rate the “quality” of their teachers and the course they take. Unfortunately these surveys have also become a platform for increasingly abusive comments that have nothing to do with teaching quality. The impacts on teaching staff can be serious and highly traumatising.
Early career academics, casual staff, women and minorities are especially affected. Positive ratings and comments are often required to ensure their continued employment or promotion.
Question: Should universities persist in employing anonymous surveys? Can you suggest better ways to assess the quality of teaching and courses?