Feedback from classes is an important part of quality teaching for many students. The results of the student survey conducted during the 2022/23 winter semester show that course evaluation (LVE) at Goethe University is generally well-received. They also raise questions about how the results are handled:
- 80.7 % of students consider course evaluation (Lehrveranstaltungsevaluation or LVE) to be meaningful.
- 40.6 % report that the results are later discussed in class.
- Around 40 % note that the evaluation results are not addressed.
- Significant differences can be observed between the faculties.
Why Discussing Course Evaluations Matters
Course evaluations are a key tool for advancing quality teaching. Their benefits are especially significant when in addition to being collected, the feedback is also reflected upon together.
Translated from their authoritative and legally binding German original, the evaluation regulations for studies and teaching at Goethe University state (§ 8): “It is the responsibility of instructors to discuss feedback from course evaluations with students in an appropriate manner. For organizational or didactic reasons, this dialogue can also take place outside of the class if conducted in a suitable format.”
A Chance for Dialogue and Outlook
Most course evaluations take place toward the end of the semester. They offer a wonderful opportunity for students to provide feedback and engage in dialogue. The next student survey, expected in the 2027/28 winter semester, will show whether and to what extent the approach to jointly reviewing the results will change in the future.
Additional information about course evaluations, as well as guidelines on how to discuss results in both German and English, is available online and listed below.
Further Information
• Information on course evaluations
• Course-evaluation guidelines for instructors (DE/EN)
• Evaluation Regulations for Studies and Teaching (in German) (PDF)
