The Physics department maintains its own student evaluation system. Every quarter and in every class SET forms are distributed. The forms are filled out and collected without the instructor being present. These forms contain multiple choice questions covering a wide variety of topics ranging from quality of instruction to choice of text. The SET database contains statistical information for each course surveyed. The database is grouped into nine different areas including upper division classes, grad classes, P11X, P13X, P103, P161, P107, P101, and P109, allowing for statistical comparisons on a quarter by quarter basis. The database includes all quarters starting with Autumn 1996. All instructors receive a statistical summary of the student responses, including historical data.

In addition to the multiple-choice questions on the SET form, space is provided for written student comments. Copies of the student comments are given to the appropriate instructor. The department keeps a typed record of all comments for Assistant and Associate Professors for future use in tenure and/or promotion cases.

Peer Review

Each assistant and associate professor should be annually peer-reviewed. The written
result of the peer review is shared with faculty member under review.

Peer review of teaching consists of a more senior faculty member visiting (perhaps several times) a course of the faculty member under review and writing a summary of observations that may include interviewing members of the class visited. The summary for the specific course should address the overall quality of teaching and the basis for that evaluation (e.g., in-class observation, including when it occurred; review of syllabus, examinations and homework; discussions with students in the class).

The peer review addresses in a different form some areas that are sampled with the SET's. These areas include general organization of the class, use of visual materials, skill at interpreting abstract ideas, use of examples, encouragement of questions and student participation, and the interest in the students. In addition, the peer review addresses areas not on the SET form, but relevant to effective instruction. Specific observations and comments are an important part of this process.