A Nationwide Exploratory Study on Faculty Opinions on Student Preparation, Performance, and Evaluations

There is very little research into the faculty mindset variables as they prepare and make pedagogy decisions. Most of the research appears to have been focused on faculty opinions regarding items such as online learning environments or student evaluations. This study seeks to expand previous studies by conducting a survey of faculty on a national level in order to determine instructor attitudes and perceptions of student preparedness, performance and impact of student evaluations on standards, promotion and tenure. This exploratory study indicates faculty believes students are less prepared than they were three to five years ago. The faculty also felt the students seem to perform better in attending class and submitting assignments on time than in preparing for class. Lastly, the responses suggest that professors are increasing standards despite concerns over student evaluations and promotion/tenure