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Course evaluations are an unofficial national holiday for college students. Professors can make or break the experience of a class. Like Grand View University’s IDEA system, enter Rate My Professor. A website allowing students to anonymously rate professors openly and sometimes brutally, for anyone to see. Recognizing the impact students have on the classroom can be difficult. What change really happens after pressing submit on course evaluations?  

Dr. Paul Brooke is a clear favorite among students, with the most ratings on Rate My Professor out of all GVU professors. Dr. Brooke has a 4.7/5-star review with 100% saying they would take his classes again.  

“Paul is an attentive professor. He truly cares for every one of his students. He has a unique flair for all sorts of different kinds of literature. He is great at picking out talent in his classes. He makes every assignment, quiz, etc. worthwhile. If you don’t understand something, he will take the time out of his day to make sure you do,” praises one anonymous online review. 

Anonymity is used with reviews to keep grading ethical. Course evaluations are not released until final grades have been posted, protecting students from any retaliation. There is, however, a caveat for sites like Rate My Professor.  

“You also have to realize that there are other people going on there and doing scores who aren’t your students. That’s dangerous. I had somebody who went on there and gave me a bad review. But you could tell by the way they wrote about it that they hadn’t taken my class,” Brooke said. 

Students unknowingly hold a lot of power in course evaluations. Departments look at comments in deciding whether a professor will renew their contract, receive a promotion or tenure. Brooke stressed the importance of learning about professors and their teaching styles from other students. 

“I guess it’s one way to check on things, but the big thing is talking to other students about who teaches the class and what it’s like. And then going into it kind of knowing how they teach and what to expect is super helpful,” Brooke said. 

Aaron Tinder is head of the art department. Online comments highlight his knowledge in painting and drawing, noting his drive for student growth.  

An anonymous source advocates, “Tinder cares about his students’ success and provides pertinent motivation to inspire students in the creative arts.” 

Creating interpersonal connections in the classroom community can often be more important than the reviews themselves. Tinder’s teaching style is effective due to his willingness to listen and connect on a personal level. 

“I feel like that’s a big part of my philosophy is leading by example. I think the other half is I’ve gotten better the older and longer I’ve done it about trying to really listen to what students bring to the table and be able to respond to their interests and needs and try to help them with their goals as well,” Tinder said. 

Humanities professor, Steve Snyder, is another high rated faculty member. Snyder believes in the importance of student evaluations, emphasizing the benefits and positivity they can have for professors and faculty. 

“I think students are incredibly nice. I’m blown away by the wonderful things my students say about their experiences in classes. I’m so impressed by my colleagues,” Snyder said. 

Passion is the recurring theme running through many of Snyder’s Rate My Professor reviews. It serves as the driving force behind his teaching style. 

“I get very passionate about the things I’m teaching, and I think my passion for what I’m teaching covers up a lot of sins. People forgive me because they go, ‘this guy’s really passionate about what he’s doing. He seems to care about this,’” Snyder said. 

There are many attributes to a good teacher. All three professors commented on qualities like clarity, flexibility and adaptation. Most professors read the comments on their reviews and take to heart both the positive and the negative. The opportunity to evaluate courses comes with a lot of responsibility. Student opinions do matter.  

“The real question is why? And if you can, break it down and be very analytical and pose yourself as someone who is smart and careful. That’s going to go a lot farther,” Brooke said. 

Evaluation comments are crucial for professors in adjusting courses and learning to better improve their teaching. Being objective and as specific as possible in reviews can hold the impact in affecting widespread change across the university for all GVU students.