Trend of Faculty Member’s Evaluation Scores by Students in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2012-2016

Background and purpose: Assessing and improving the quality and educational capability of faculty members in universities is to improve the quality of programs, making appropriate policies and performing better educational activities. Faculty member’s evaluation by students is an important tool for both the lecturers and educational managers in educational planning. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of faculty member’s evaluation scores by students in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2012-2016. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in faculty members in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences selected via census sampling. We used the scores for faculty members using the electronic educational management system (SAMA). It allows all students to evaluate university lecturers before final exams in every semester using a checklist. Data analysis was done applying descriptive and inferential tests in SPSS V22. Results: The evaluation scores for faculty members (2012-2016) were evaluated. The scores ranged between 4.25±0.4 and 4.49±0.3. The mean evaluation scores showed significant changes whithin the years studied (P<0.001). Conclusion: The average scores for evaluation of faculty members changed significantly during this period. Usually the accuracy of information collected from students is questioned, therefore, further studies with quantitative-qualitative approach are recommended.