Instructor Name Preference and Student Evaluations of Instruction

ABSTRACT Student evaluations of instruction (SEIs) have an important role in hiring, firing, and promotion decisions. However, evidence suggests that SEIs might be influenced by factors other than teaching skills. The author examined several nonteaching may impact two independent studies. Study 1 whether instructor’s name preference (i.e., first versus “Dr.” last name) actual courses. 2 implemented a instructor preference: or gender: male female) race: white Black) between-subjects design for hypothetical course. found were higher when the female expressed being called her name. highest Black instructors asked students to call them their name, but there was decrease SEI scores if they went professional title. Administrators should aware various can influence how evaluate instructors.