Report on Gender and the Evaluation of Teaching
Abby L. Ferber, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Heather Laube, University of Michigan, Flint
Joey Sprague, University of Kansas, and
Kelley Massoni, University of Kansas
The SWS Taskforce on the Feminist Transformation of the Academy, has sought to tackle the complex and difficult issue of the effects of gender on the evaluation of teaching. Many women faculty suspect that their gender plays a role in how they are evaluated by students, but so far there have been few tools available for women to protect themselves. Building on the analysis of the literature and research by Joey Sprague and Kelley Massoni**, the subcommittee has developed a number of resources. Our goal is to provide tools to empower women faculty to address this issue proactively. This site provides resources for faculty and administrators, including an updated literature review; fact sheets; recommendations for faculty, Universities and researchers; and a position statement. Further ideas and input are welcome.
Sprague, Joey and Kelley Massoni. 2005. "Student Evaluations And Gendered Expectations: What We Can't Count Can Hurt Us."
Sex Roles: A Journal of Research 53, 11-12: 779-793.
Laube, Heather, Kelley Massoni, Joey Sprague, and Abby L. Ferber. 2007. "The Impact of Gender on the Evaluation of Teaching:
What We Know and What We Can Do."
NWSA Journal 19:3 87-104.
The Sociologists for Women in Society recognizes that gender affects students' evaluations of teaching, and urges Universities and colleges to take steps to minimize the potential negative impact this may have on instructors.
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