student-evaluations
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- PaperAssessment & Evaluation in Higher Education14 Jul 2026
Evaluating the effectiveness of an awareness-based intervention on reducing accent bias in students’ evaluations of instructors
Esther Sosa-Herrera, Kat Silaj, Mary J. Keushkerian, Melissa Paquette-Smith
A brief awareness-based intervention showed mixed results in reducing accent bias in student evaluations of instructors. In two experiments, students consistently rated a Mandarin-accented instructor more negatively than an American-accented instructor, despite equal learning outcomes. The intervention reduced bias in the first experiment but was less effective with different materials and a more diverse sample.
Original abstract
Student evaluations of teaching can be biased by the ‘way’ the instructor speaks or their accent. In the current study, we investigate whether a brief awareness-based intervention can be effective in reducing accent-based bias in students’ evaluations of instructors. In a series of controlled laboratory experiments, college student participants were randomly assigned to watch a short lecture narrated by either an instructor who spoke English with a Mandarin accent or an American accent. Prior to evaluating the instructor, participants in the intervention condition were given instructions designed to reduce bias, whereas participants in the control condition proceeded directly to the evaluation form. Although there were no statistically significant differences in performance on a multiple-choice assessment of learning, participants in both experiments showed evidence of bias, rating the Mandarin-accented instructor more negatively than the American-accented instructor. In Experiment 1, the intervention reduced the disparity in participants’ overall ratings of the two instructors; however, in Experiment 2, the intervention was less effective with different lecture materials and a more diverse sample of students. Awareness-based interventions may show promise in reducing real-world biases in college classes and could support efforts to improve diversity and inclusivity in higher education.
- PaperAssessment & Evaluation in Higher Education4 Jul 2026
Impacts of student evaluations of teaching on Australian university academics
Shaylen E. Stone, Gerard Jefferies, Megan Lee, Cindy Davis
A study of 574 academics from 41 Australian universities found that both quantitative and qualitative student evaluations of teaching (SET) significantly predict depression, anxiety, and stress among faculty. The results suggest that high-stakes use of SET for promotion, performance reviews, and contract renewal may harm staff wellbeing, urging institutions to reconsider such practices.
Original abstract
Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) are formals tool used by universities to assess students’ perceptions of learning and teaching effectiveness. This study examined how quantitative and qualitative SET responses impact Australian academics’ wellbeing and predict depression, anxiety, and stress. The sample included 574 participants from 41 universities across Australia. Participants completed an anonymous online survey measuring demographics, the perceived impacts of quantitative and qualitative SET responses on wellbeing using a Health and Wellbeing Scale (HWS), and mental health using a Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results indicated that both quantitative and qualitative SET have significant implications on academics’ health and wellbeing. A series of multiple linear regression analyses examined the unique effects of quantitative and qualitative HWS scores on depression, anxiety, and stress while controlling for demographics (age, gender, years in academia, employment position), with all models significant (R2 = 0.19–0.21, p < 0.001). Findings from the current study have direct implications for policy and practice within higher education. To ensure the health and well-being of staff, institutions should reconsider the extent to which SET are used in high-stakes decisions such as promotion, performance evaluations, and contract renewal.