The item bank consists of 218 items in 24 categories. Each item has a unique item number associated with it. The item numbers are in order, but are not consecutive so that additional items may be added at later dates. Some of these items have already been selected to appear by default on the forms used in certain departments and colleges. The Student Senate Items, for example, appear on all forms in the Colleges of Liberal Arts, Architecture, Business and in certain departments in Science and Agriculture. Items which are unique to specific departments or colleges do not appear in this bank.
You may scroll through the items one-by-one or you may click on the headings and sub-headings below to take you directly to the items you wish to see. If you are using a browser that allows you to save this document as a text file, you may do so to refer to in the future.
120. I learned a good deal of factual material in this course.
121. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.
122. I learned to apply principles from this course to new situations.
123. I learned to identify main points and central issues in this field.
124. I learned to identify formal characteristics of works of art.
125. I developed the ability to solve real problems in this field.
126. I developed creative ability in this field.
127. I developed the ability to communicate clearly about this subject.
128. I developed the ability to carry out original research in this area.
129. I developed an ability to evaluate new work in this field.
130. I learned to recognize the quality of works of art in this field.
140. I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.
141. I developed enthusiasm about the course material.
142. I was stimulated to do outside reading about the course material.
143. I was stimulated to discuss related topics outside of class.
144. I developed plans to take additional related courses.
145. I developed a set of overall values in this field.
160. I participated actively in class discussions.
161. I developed leadership skills in this class.
162. I developed new friendships in this class.
163. I developed greater awareness of societal problems.
164. I became interested in community projects related to this course.
165. I learned to value new viewpoints.
166. I reconsidered many of my former attitudes.
170. I gained a better understanding of myself through this course.
171. I gained an understanding of some of my personal problems.
172. I developed a greater sense of personal responsibility.
173. I increased my awareness of my own interests and talents.
174. I developed more confidence in myself.
180. I developed skills needed by professionals in this field.
181. I learned about career opportunities.
182. I developed a clearer sense of professional identity.
183. I received an adequate overview of this field to meet my professional goals.
200. The instructor seemed enthusiastic about the material that was presented.
201. The instructor gave clear explanations.
202. The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.
203. The instructor stresses important points in lectures or discussions.
204. The instructor is enthusiastic.
205. The instructor puts material across in an interesting way.
206. The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.
207. The instructor appears to have a thorough knowledge of the subject.
208. The instructor seems knowledgeable in many areas.
209. The instructor is not confused by unexpected questions.
210. The instructor is skillful in observing student reactions.
211. The instructor is sensitive to student difficulties with course work.
212. The instructor teaches near the class level.
213. The instructor is friendly.
214. The instructor is permissive and flexible.
215. The instructor maintains an atmosphere of good feeling in the class.
216. The instructor acknowledges all questions insofar as possible.
217. The instructor treats students with respect.
218. The instructor encourages constructive criticism.
219. The instructor is willing to meet and help students outside class.
220. The instructor gives individual attention to students in this class.
221. Students frequently volunteer their own opinions.
222. One real strength of this course is the classroom discussion.
223. Students in this course are free to disagree and ask questions.
224. The instructor suggests specific ways students can improve.
225. The instructor tells students when they have done particularly well.
226. The instructor keeps students informed of their progress.
227. The instructor has everything going according to schedule.
228. The instructor follows an outline closely.
229. The instructor uses class time well.
230. The instructor seemed well prepared for each class.
231. The objectives of the course were clearly explained.
232. Work requirements and grading system were clear from the beginning.
239. The amount of work required is appropriate for the credit received.
240. The amount of material covered in the course is reasonable.
241. The instructor sets high standards for students.
242. The instructor has made the course difficult enough to be stimulating.
243. The instructor adequately answered questions from students.
249. The instructor stimulated my interest in the subject.
250. The instructor's presentations added to my understanding of the material.
251. The instructor seemed to care whether the students learned.
252. The instructor handles the class responsibly -- e.g., attends class
regularly, is usually on time, returns graded work in a reasonable time.
253. The course requirements were clear.
254. Graded work (exams, papers, projects, etc.) contribute positively to the learning experience.
312. The recitation section is a valuable part of this course.
313. The recitation section is a great help to learning.
314. There is ample opportunity to ask questions in the recitation section.
315. The recitation section clarifies lecture material.
316. The recitation section extends the coverage of lecture topics.
317. Students get individual attention in the recitation section.
318. Written assignments (papers, problem sets) seem carefully chosen.
319. Written assignments are interesting and stimulating.
320. Written assignments make students think.
321. Directions for written assignments are clear and specific.
322. Written assignments require a reasonable amount of time and effort.
323. Written assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.
324. Written assignments are graded fairly.
325. Written assignments are returned promptly.
326. Reading assignments seem carefully chosen.
327. Reading assignments are interesting and stimulating.
328. Reading assignments make students think.
329. Reading assignments require a reasonable amount of time and effort.
330. Reading assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.
331. The laboratory was a very valuable part of this course.
332. Laboratory assignments seem carefully chosen.
333. Laboratory assignments are interesting and stimulating.
334. Laboratory assignments make students think.
335. Directions for laboratory assignments are clear and specific.
336. Laboratory assignments require a reasonable amount of time and effort.
337. Laboratory assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.
338. Laboratory reports are graded fairly.
339. Laboratory reports are returned promptly.
340. The textbook makes a valuable contribution to the course.
341. The textbook is easy to read and understand.
342. The textbook presents various sides of issues.
343. A textbook would be a useful addition to this course.
344. Films are a valuable part of this course.
345. Films used in this course are interesting and stimulating.
346. Films used in this course are a great help to learning.
347. Videotapes are a valuable part of this course.
348. Videotapes used in this course are interesting and stimulating.
349. Videotapes used in this course are a great help to learning.
350. Slides are a valuable part of this course.
351. Slides used in this course are interesting and stimulating.
352. Slides used in this course are a great help to learning.
353. Audiotapes are a valuable part of this course.
354. Audiotapes used in this course are interesting and stimulating.
355. Audiotapes used in this course are a great help to learning.
356. Examinations cover the important aspects of the course.
357. The exams cover the reading assignments well.
358. The exams cover the lecture material well.
359. Exams are creative and require original thought.
360. Exams are reasonable in length and difficulty.
361. Examination items are clearly worded.
362. The exams are returned in a reasonable amount of time.
363. The examinations are graded very carefully and fairly.
364. The test items are adequately explained after a test is given.
365. Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.
366. The grading system was clearly explained.
367. The instructor has a realistic definition of good performance.
369. I try to relate what I learn in this course to my own experience.
370. I attend class regularly.
371. I utilize all the learning opportunities provided in the course.
372. I create my own learning experiences in connection with the course.
373. I help classmates learn.
380. The studio was a very valuable course.
381. Studio assignments seem carefully chosen.
382. Studio assignments are interesting and stimulating.
383. Studio assignments make students think.
384. Directions for studio assignments are clear and specific.
385. Studio assignments require a reasonable amount of time and effort.
386. Studio assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.
387. Studio assignments are graded fairly.
388. Studio assignments are returned promptly.
400. The course was well-organized.
401. On the whole, this is a good instructor.
402. On the whole, this was a good course.
403. I would take another course from this professor.
404. The exams/projects were presented and graded fairly.
405. The amount of work and/or reading was reasonable for the credit hours received in the course.
406. I believe this instructor was an effective teacher.
407. Help was readily available for questions and/or homework outside of class.
Note that the Center for Teaching Excellence provides materials related to each of the following items.
751. The professor discusses points of view other than his/her own.
752. The professor discusses recent developments in the field.
753. The professor emphasizes conceptual understanding.
754. The professor explains clearly.
755. The professor is well prepared.
756. The professor gives lectures that are easy to outline.
757. The professor summarizes major points.
758. The professor states objectives for each class session.
759. The professor identifies what he/she considers important.
760. The professor encourages class discussion.
761. The professor invites students to share their knowledge and experiences.
762. The professor knows if the class is understanding him/her or not.
763. The professor has students apply concepts to demonstrate understanding.
764. The professor shows genuine interest in students.
765. The professor gives personal help to students having difficulty in the course.
766. The professor relates to students as individuals.
767. The professor is accessible to students out of class.
768. The professor has an interesting style of presentation.
769. The professor varies the speed and tone of his/her voice.
770. The professor shows interest in, and concern for, the quality of his/her teaching.
771. The professor motivates students to do their best work.
772. The professor gives interesting and stimulating assignments.
773. The professor gives examinations permitting students to show understanding.
774. The professor keeps students informed of their progress.
DISTANCE EDUCATION
910. I felt like part of a class (NOT isolated and alone -- cut off from the instructor and the other students).
911. The instructor was aware of the unique needs of distance learners and planned accordingly.
912. The instructor responded in a timely fashion when contacted.
VIDEO-CONFERENCE CLASSES
913. Videoconferencing contributed to the quality of this class.
914. The instructor seemed capable of using the technology in the videoconference classroom.
915. Appropriate amounts of dialog were encouraged during the videoconference among and between students and the professor.
916. The instructor was readily available outside the videoconference through additional communication methods (e-mail, phone, fax, etc.).
917. Course materials were consistently available in a timely fashion.
918. A variety of course materials were used in the class.
919. The course materials used in the class were of high quality.
920. The instructor had back-up plans for use in the event of technical difficulties.
921. The TTVN provided a reliable connection of adequate quality for all the sites in our class.
922. The TTVN support staff handled technical difficulties in an appropriate manner.
WWW CLASSES
923. The course website contributed to the quality of this class.
924. Sufficient opportunities for interaction with the instructor were
provided on the website.
925. Sufficient opportunities for interaction with the other students were provided on the website.
926. The course website provided opportunities for additional course-related research and discovery.
927. I could find the information I was expected to find using the course website.
928. The materials provided on the course website were of high quality.
929. The course website was well organized.
930. The course website was complete.
931. The course website was consistently updated and current.
932. The course website was visually appealing.
NOTE: This list of items was developed in the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching at the University of Michigan. Modifications to items and additions to the list have been made by Measurement & Research Services, Texas A&M University, based on recommendations by students and faculty in the Colleges of Architecture, Education, Liberal Arts, and Veterinary Medicine.