Decoding the Decline: Examining Student Evaluation of Teaching Participation in Higher Education

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Keywords:

teaching evaluation, students, higher education, participation incentives

Abstract

Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) measure teaching performance. Recent declines in SETs response rates have been noted. Limited research has examined student perceptions of SET or motivating factors for participation/nonparticipation. This study examines SET participation on five dimensions: student perceived value of SETs; student knowledge of SET usage; student motivation for SET completion; incentivizing SET completion; and SET design, delivery, and timing. An e-survey (n = 833) was implemented to identify student perceptions and student-informed recommendations. Findings reveal student-oriented strategies/best practices to improve SET participation.

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Author Biographies

  • Jeffrey A. Walsh, Illinois State University

    Dr. Jeffrey A. Walsh is a Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University. He is the author/co-author of more than 30 peer reviewed articles and book chapters. His research interests include family violence, communities and crime, victimization, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.  

  • Jessie L. Krienert, Illinois State University

    Dr. Jessie L. Krienert is a Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University.  Her areas of research interest include prison subculture, prison policy, family violence, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

  • Kimberly A. Ingold, University of Iowa

    Kimberly Ingold is a Ph.D. graduate student in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Iowa.

  • Braden Angelo, Illinois State University

    Braden Angelo is a graduate student in the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University.

References

References

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Published

2026-07-08

Data Availability Statement

The data is not currently available.

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How to Cite

Decoding the Decline: Examining Student Evaluation of Teaching Participation in Higher Education. (2026). Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. https://celt.miamioh.edu/index.php/JECT/article/view/1271