Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

Gregory A. McBrayerEvidence of Teaching Effectiveness

Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness: Summary of Student Evaluations and Written Comments

The following is a summary of student evaluations I havereceived over the years. I have divided the evaluationsinto sections, according to the institution at which thecourse was taught, marked by Roman numerals. This summaryincludes evaluations of every course I have taught for whichevaluations were available.

In general, I believe that the statistics below demonstratemy effectiveness as a teacher. First, they show that, whencomparisons are available within my department, my college,or nationally, my evaluations are typically well aboveaverage. Secondly, I think the quantitative and anecdotalevidence provided here shows that I am committed toteaching. The evidence below shows that my studentsconsistently think that I am a well-prepared, knowledgeable,engaged, and energetic teacher. I am particularly pleasedto note that students have regularly regarded me as someonewho cares about them as students and human beings, isserious about the subject matter, encourages criticalthinking, is fair but demanding, and, perhaps mostimportantly, as someone who helped them gain a goodunderstanding of the concepts and principles of PoliticalScience.

In addition to this summary, I am prepared to offer originalevaluations as well as syllabi for any of these courses.Many of my syllabi and original evaluations can be found onmy academia.edu website: < https://morehead-st.academia.edu/GregoryMcBrayer>

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I. Morehead State University (2012-present)

Written CommentsIn addition to the numerical evaluations of the course, students are also asked to provide instructors with written comments. Below is a selection of the comments I have received from students, broken down by course and year.

Spring 2013, GOVT 180: Introduction to Political TheoryI’d just like to say that I almost dropped this course but am now glad Ididn’t. Although it was my most difficult class, it was my favorite.

Mr. McBrayer is an excellent professor and has a true desire to educate.After receiving the necessary book list for this class—I was terrified—I’m a nursing major?!?! However, Mr. McBrayer challenged the way I think & I have enjoyed the time spent in this course. This course has encouraged me to seek a possible minor in Political Science to go along with my nursing degree.

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Even though I had no interest in this course, I think Mr. McBrayer is not only the most intelligent person I know, but an excellent teacher and this is an excellent course for people who would be interested in the subject. He really pushes his students to think critically and he is just wonderful! One of the best teachers I’ve had at Morehead State,even though he has very high expectations. I would recommend him to anyone taking a government class.

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II. Emory University

POLS 385 F11

Dept. Ave.F11

POLS 301 S12

POLS 385 S12

Dept. Ave.S12

Evaluation of Instructor?How well was class organized?

8.19 7.90 8.47 8.85 7.99

Was instructor enthusiastic about material?

8.86 8.19 8.80 8.77 8.25

How concerned was instructor with student learning?

7.71 7.62 8.40 8.77 7.89

How clearly did instructor explain concepts?

7.45 7.75 8.33 8.85 7.9

How clearly did instructor explain courseobjectives and reqs?

7.52 7.70 7.87 8.62 7.88

How well did instructor respond to student questions?

7.86 7.73 8.47 8.77 7.96

How accessible was instructor for individualdiscussion?

7.86 7.69 8.29 8.54 7.76

How well did tests/exams reflect course material?

7.67 7.52 7.67 8.62 7.63

Was feedback from instructor useful?

7.19 6.94 6.87 8.77 6.96

Were grading criteria clear?

7.14 7.32 7.00 8.33 7.22

Weighted mean 7.75 7.64 8.01 8.69 7.75Progress on following learning objectives:Acquire factual knowledge 6.71 7.68 7.87 8.31 7.89Understand basic principles and concepts

7.33 7.83 7.67 8.62 8.01

Being able to apply factsconcepts and principles to questions

7.57 7.74 7.67 8.85 7.88

Able to assess or critique ideas and arguments

8.10 7.58 8.00 8.69 7.71

Able to integrate and synthesize information

7.62 7.59 8.00 8.69 7.76

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Weighted mean 7.47 7.68 7.84 8.63 7.85Overall Weighted mean 7.65 7.65 7.96 8.67 7.78

Questions are scored on a scale from 1-9, with 9 being the highest.

POLS 385, Fall 2011: Contemporary Political Islam and its Origins POLS 301, Spring 2012: Classical Political Thought POLS 385, Spring 2012: Political Ambition

Written CommentsIn addition to the numerical evaluations of the course, students are also asked to provide instructors with written comments. Below is a selection of the comments I have received from students, broken down by course and year.

POLS 385, Spring 2012I rate this class very high. Best professor I’ve had at Emory.

McBrayer is great at instigating thought & discussions as well as improving arguments. Lectures were engaging and greatly covered material. Professor was extremely impressive. Clearly puts a lot of time into every text and lecture.

All of the readings were extremely enjoyable and interesting… I loved our guided discussions—Mr. McBrayer directed them so that we didn’t stray too far but still reached conclusions on our own. It was a very interesting and gratifying experience. All of his lectures were amazingand I appreciated his enthusiasm and the amount of time he very clearly invested into our class discussions… I expected to learn simple philosophies, but I learned so much more; I also feel like I’ve become asubstantially better writer.

Class size and discussion were superb. The professor was about to instill his passion and enthusiasm for the material. The material came to life when delivered/discussed with him.

I thought this class was going to be boring. I hate theory courses. Yet this is the best class I have ever taken and this is the best professor I have ever had.

POLS 301: Spring 2012

5


I found the in-depth analysis of the texts interesting. There was enough discussion, and the lectures were good. The materials were handled properly.

I had a phil. class before in which the instructor was awful & I did terrible in the class. I’m glad I had the opportunity to take this class with Prof. McBrayer as it helped redevelop my interest in philosophy and politics… Great course & one of the best instructors at Emory!

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III. Gettysburg College (2008-2011)The following page shows students’ evaluation of my teachingperformance at Gettysburg College from Fall 2008 to Spring2011. Questions 1-7 are scored on a scale ranging from 1 to5, with 5 representing the most favorable response.Questions 8-16 were a part of a supplementary Questionnairewhere A=Strongly agree/Favorable and E= StronglyDisagree/Unfavorable. I have changed this to a 5 forStrongly Agree and a 1 for Strongly disagree, so 5 stillrepresents the most favorable response.

Courses taught at Gettysburg CollegePOL 102: Introduction to Political ThoughtPOL 202A: Classical Political ThoughtPOL 202B: Islamic Political ThoughtPOL 203: Topics in IR: International Relations in theHistory of Political ThoughtPOL 215: Methods of Political SciencePOL 346: International Relations TheoryPOL 381: American Political Thought

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III. Gettysburg College (2008-2011)

Questions

F08POL 102

F08POL 102

S09POL 102

S10POL102

F10POL102

F08POL 202A

S09POL 202A

S10POL202B

S11POL202B

S11POL203

F09POL 215

F10POL215

S11POL215

F10POL346

S09POL381

1. How much do you think you’ve learned from this course

4.23 4.64 4.07 4.5 4.56 4.38 4.47 4.33 4.59 4.14 3.69 3.75 4.63 4.22 4.57

2. How helpful were the course materials?

4.08 4.64 4 4.3 4.4 4.38 4.47 4.44 4.57 4.24 4.19 4 4.69 4.13 4.43

3. How effective was instructor in conducting class sessions?

4.30 4.63 4.43 4.69 4.48 4.88 4.58 4.94 4.87 4.24 4.13 4.44 4.88 4.87 4.43

4. How would you rate the assignment and tests as measures of learning?

3.96 4.5 4 4.27 4.12 3.88 4.32 4.22 4.15 3.65 4.13 3.75 4.44 3.70 3.71

5. How would you rate the instructor’s performance in providing fair, prompt,and helpful comments and grades on your work?

3.77 4.46 4 4.27 4.16 3.75 3.82 4.39 4.35 3.93 3.81 4.38 4.81 4.37 4

6. What is your overall rating for this instructor?

4.29 4.71 4.29 4.69 4.76 4.88 4.74 4.89 4.83 4.43 4.4 4.69 4.88 4.83 4.14

7. What is your overall rating for this course?

4.12 4.61 4 4.46 4.48 4.63 4.47 4.44 4.43 4.10 3.56 3.25 4.56 4 4.43

8. The goals of the course have been presented clearly.

4.58 4.70 4.43 4.65 4.5 4.38 4.68 4.84 4.64 4.59 4.19 4.5 4.75 4.59 4.5

9. The instructor provides an organized presentation of the

4.46 4.83 4.57 4.74 4.67 4.63 4.79 4.84 4.77 4.73 4.56 4.75 4.81 4.77 4.67

material.10. The instructor

communicates ideas and concepts clearly.

4.23 4.72 4.5 4.78 4.75 4.38 4.68 4.79 4.73 4.68 4.44 4.75 4.81 4.82 4.67

11. The instructor encourages critical thinking and analysis on your part.

4.62 4.89 4.79 4.87 4.79 5 4.89 4.89 5 4.82 4.63 4.81 4.88 5 4.83

12. The instructor displays interest in the subject.

4.85 4.93 4.93 5 4.92 5 4.84 4.89 5 4.86 3.88 4.31 4.94 4.82 4.67

13. There is adequate opportunity for studentparticipation in class.

4.65 4.78 4.79 4.76 4.67 4.88 4.74 4.79 4.95 4.39 4.81 4.38 4.88 5 4.67

14. The instructor was available when I neededadditional assistance.

4.5 4.67 4.46 4.52 4.46 4.13 4.74 4.53 4.5 4.25 4.25 4.63 4.88 4.68 4.67

15. How does this instructor compare withothers you’ve had at Gettysburg College?

4.23 4.70 4.46 4.74 4.69 4.88 4.74 4.95 4.77 4.59 4.44 4.69 4.94 4.91 4.67

16. How does this coursecompare with others you’ve taken at Gettysburg College?

4.15 4.54 4.2 4.52 4.42 4.88 4.58 4.53 4.41 4.05 3.06 3.19 4.56 4.14 4.83

Written Comments for Gettysburg College:In addition to the numerical evaluations of the course students are alsoasked to provide instructors with written comments. Below is aselection of the comments I have received from different students,broken down by course and year:

Spring 2011, POL 215: Methods of Political ScienceCourse has been very helpful… Books were good and helpful… ExcellentPowerPoints/very helpful… Great guy, accessible, very funny and helpful.

Looked forward to class. Best professor I’ve had at Gettysburg College.

Tested what was most stressed during class times… One of the bestprofessors here… Hard but learned a lot.

Awesome teacher, really good at engaging everyone during class… Goodgrader, fair… Extremely fair, nice, engaged, wants you to learn.

This professor has had a huge impact on me at Gettysburg, and I enjoyedall his lectures.

Spring 2011, POL 203: International Relations in the History ofPolitical ThoughtA great teacher, interesting ideas. A strict grader and tough oneverything, but you learn a lot… This is a difficult course, you haveto be engaged all the time, but I personally feel extremely enriched.

Professor McBrayer was one of the best professors I have had, and Ilearned a lot about IR, which was a totally new subject for me. Greatclass!

Knows all material well and effectively leads class as a lecturer +discussant.

Every class was run efficiently and was very well-structured. It wasobvious Professor McBrayer prepared every lecture in advance… One ofthe best poli sci professors I’ve had class with.

Spring 2011, POL 202B: Islamic Political ThoughtBest professor I’ve ever had—forces a deeper level of thinking thatlesser instructors can’t match; changed the way I think and forced me toreconsider my basic beliefs and how to properly arrive at them. Myunderstanding of the foundations and conflicts in Islamic politicalthought was greatly enhanced and matured by taking this course…Overall, excellent class by an excellent professor… I don’t believe

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there is another professor who promotes the same level of understandingand a true liberal arts education…

Not only do I feel I have learned a lot on the topic and readings, but Ifeel like I have developed a better framework of understanding for allof my other courses.

The instructor was never quick to shoot down ideas but always pushed forlogical arguments behind assertions and constantly asked for more… Thecourse required that one needed to be prepared for class daily, and giveserious thought to readings as well as life itself… I think thisinstructor deserves a 3-year contract for 250 million…

Professor McBrayer was the best professor/teacher I’ve ever had. I cameto class knowing it would be led by an energetic, motivated, fun andintelligent professor. Poly Islamic thought was never a subject Ithought that I would find interesting. However, I found this classextremely insightful and somewhat fun as I learned about the greatIslamic philosophers such as Alfarabi, Averroes, and Ibn Tufayl. Mr.McBrayer showed the class that these thinkers have brilliant andinteresting ideas and present outstanding syllogisms that should bestudied…

Fall 2010, POL 346: International Relations TheoryIt has been an engaging course which has forced me to think outside thebox. Very clear, precise, and entertaining. Willingness to answerquestions and foster intellectual debate. Easily my favorite Professorthat I’ve had during my time at Gettysburg. And that is saying a lot.

The professor would explain the material really understandably and, whatis also very important, would engage the class in thought-provokingdiscussion.

Still one of the best conducted classes on campus, engaging,entertaining + funny at times!

Prof. McBrayer is an excellent teacher and having him as a teacherhelped me enormously. Having him as a Prof. here is a great boon toeverybody.

Fall 2010, POL 215: Political Science MethodsThe Professor was extremely patient with people who did not understandthe material. If he felt that he was unclear, he was sure to go backover the material… The professor was extremely helpful, especially withmeeting during office hours.

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Professor McBrayer is thorough and energetic. He makes you think andanalyze without you even realizing that you’re understanding thematerial completely.

One of the best I’ve had. Office hours—very helpful… McBrayer makeseven miserable classes w/ numbers/stats engaging.

Fall 2010, POL 102: Introduction to Political ThoughtMcBrayer is a fantastic professor. He made me want to come to class anddo my work. It’s a shame we can’t keep him.

Our discussions and lectures were great… The best class I took allsemester. McBrayer was an amazing professor and I learned a lot.

Attending this particular 50 minutes of class was something I waslooking forward to again and again throughout the semester… Bestprofessor I’ve had here.

I always looked forward to coming to class. It was fun and engaging andI always learned something interesting.

Spring 2010, POL 202B: Islamic Political Thought“This is the third course I have taken with Prof. McBrayer andunfortunately the last. All of his classes are enjoyable and worthwhile—I’ve learned so much. He is a necessary addition to Gettysburg and theschool will be doing future students an injustice by not offering him apermanent position on staff… Prof. McBrayer is intelligent,enthusiastic, and a great teacher. [The course is] challenging butenriching at the same time… Good discussion, led us through veryconfusing readings with remarkable skill… syllabus helpful andinformative, readings fair, challenging, and relevant… Aside fromknowing nothing about Islamic philosophy before this course, Idefinitely developed my writing skills and analytical skills concerningphilosophy.”

“Very difficult material, but he does a good job of breaking down thereadings so one can understand it. He also promotes are [our] ownthoughts and questions about the reading and his take on the reading.”

“Even with the readings that was very challenging the professor did anexcellent job of clarifying and presenting the material. The professorwas always very prepared and organized and made class very interesting.”

“Fascinating subject. Knew exactly what to expect in class and what wasexpected of you. Most insightful prof I’ve ever taken a course with.Fantastic course, I’m suggesting it to friends.”

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“Give this man a real job. One of the best teachers I’ve ever had.”

“The texts were challenging, but were made understandable throughdiscussion, and covered the topics well. Professor McBrayer forced usto analyze the text thoroughly, making class time thought-provoking andinteresting. Professor McBrayer was able to make a subject that isn’tvery exciting, Islamic Political Thought, into an interesting and evensomewhat enjoyable class.”

Spring 2010, POL 102: Introduction to Political Thought“Best lecturer I’ve ever had at Gettysburg College. Enthusiasticprofessor who connects well with students… Very demanding andunforgiving in his grading. An “A” is possible if one puts 10-14 hoursinto the paper… The only great professor in the political science dept.I enjoyed taking a class with him. Very thought provoking andenlightening.”

“McBrayer’s way of looking at the text really makes you open your eyesto what the author is actually saying… I really enjoyed all the texts.The order of the texts were logical and helped me understand the courseas a whole. My best class this year. McBrayer somehow forces you tothink on your toes and question normal principles. So, he is able toteach us how to teach ourselves. Very helpful. My favorite class.”

“Very good professor, one of my favorites. The class was very thoughtprovoking and he increased my interest in the topic. An excellentgrounding in political theory—a class everyone should take.”

“Class was extremely enjoyable to attend. I looked forward to andenjoyed every class. Classes were entertaining and fun. Perfect amountof discussion and lecture. Learned a lot. Really enjoyed the classicreadings. Writing assignments were interesting and helpful forimproving and inspiring my writing. Favorite class and teacher atGettysburg.”

“Every day, I walked into class anticipating some great knowledge to bebestowed upon me + McBrayer never failed that expectation. Loved thebooks, excluding Locke, but that is easily forgiven considering Locke’simportance. I’ve never had a better answer to this question. He is thebest professor I’ve yet had. Always had time whenever I went in to seehim. Somehow managed to entertain my crazy ideas. Give him tenure! Iwant more classes with him and Gettysburg would be greatly hurt shouldhe choose to leave.”

“Before this class I knew a little about popular political philosophybut now I feel like I can actually speak about it and know exactly what

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I’m talking about. I feel very well versed now. The snow days messedup the syllabus a lot but overall everything [in the syllabus] waspretty accurate. McBrayer was amazing.

“Course was very interesting + MacBrayer [sic] provided a lot of usefuland intelligent feedback/commentary. Some of the readings weredifficult, but overall full of meaning and after discussion, quiteunderstandable… “

“Prof. McBrayer is very knowledgable, approachable, and communicates hisinformation very well.”

“Very challenging. Got in a lot of material for the limited time wehad. The assignments encouraged critical thinking. I thought I knewthe material very well. He saw things within the text that I thoughtwere very impressive.”

“Syllabus was very helpful. Great lectures. [Assignments] good measureof what we covered in class. Very helpful comments [on work]. GreatProfessor.”

Fall 2009, POL 215: Methods of Political Science“Really enjoyed the extra readings and the first 2-3 weeks about theorigins and evolution of Political Science. Very Fair. Very engaging,great teacher.”

“Lots of material, but well-thought and organized. Good use of Angel[Campus web-based learning tool] for readings, readings interesting andapplicable supplement to textbook readings. All extremely well thoughtout. Always goes over and explains in-depth most important points andproblems of course. Difficult test (midterm) but was extremely wellprepared by instructor. Always available in office hours fordiscussions and help about grades. Intelligent, sharp, insightful, andall around excellent professor. Pushes you to think, and constructsinteresting lessons for a not so interesting course. Hire McBrayer forfull-time Political Science professor. If he leaves, it will be a greatloss, and a huge mistake of opportunity on the department’s behalf.”

“McBrayer is a great professor—I learned so much. Syllabus—perfect!Readings on Angel [Campus web-based learning tool] at start of semester!Handouts interesting! McBrayer clearly spent a lot of time preppingclass. Great! Tests were hard, but fair. GETTYSBURG YOU NEED TO HIREHIM BACK!!!!”

“I knew most of the statistics beforehand, but had no idea about thephilosophy stuff… Always kept discussion flowing rapidly and

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insightfully. Challenging yet fair… Could return assignments a littlequicker… One of the best [instructors] I’ve had here.”

Spring 2009, POL 102: Introduction to Political Thought“Great course, would love to see more [Political] Thought courses in themajor.”

“I’d definitely recommend this class to others. I enjoyed coming toclass every M,W,F morning.”

“Great teacher. Had no problem listening to professor McBrayer talk.He is interesting and leads class effectively.”

Spring 2009, POL 202A: Classical Political Thought“To be honest, I have yet to have a better professor. His enthusiasm,love for the subject, and understanding surpasses any expectations Icould have had. He is open to students’ ideas, comments, and beliefs,and argues his points rationally. He accepts answers even if they arenot his own. I doubt I will have another professor this wonderful.”

“Great Teacher and Class”

“One of the best/most interesting courses I have had the pleasure oftaking. P. McBrayer blew most professors out of the water, although hisinability to cope with heat and lawn mower sounds was a bit comical…The professor made this course.”

“It has really opened my mind… He is one of the best on campus.”

Spring 2009, POL 381: American Political Thought“Loved the class—very intellectual—very demanding—great chance tolearn.”

“This class should be a requirement for every American student studyingpolitical science…”

Fall 2008, POL 102: Introduction to Political Thought (Two sections)“These were some of the best lectures I have had thus far at GettysburgCollege. There were extremely insightful and perhaps more importantlythe ideas were tied into larger themes of life. Professor McBrayer dida great job of showing how these themes applied to our lives… ProfessorMcBrayer also makes a big effort to reach out to his students and helpthem, both with classes and broader planning such as majors and futurecareer goals. I’m very glad I took this course.”

“In four years one of the best prof. I have had”

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“Excellent b/c of the professor.”

“Enjoy subject very much. Please sign him on for a longer term.”

“This was definitely my favorite class.”

“Prof. McBrayer is very well spoken and it is clear that he tries tomake every class meaningful.”

“I have never had a professor quite as amazing as Professor McBrayer.He makes the class enjoyable as well as intriguing. I hope to have himas my professor many more times.”

“Professor McBrayer is very knowledgeable about Political Philosophy.”“I found it challenging yet rewarding. He really knew and loved thetopic which make it easy to participate in class and enjoy the course.”

“Excellent Professor. Extremely passionate.”

“McBrayer is an Excellent teacher. He is one of the smartest men I haveever met.”

“Good readings, Clear syllabus, great discussion and explanation.”

“This class has been a challenge from the beginning to the end althoughI am sure I have not always excelled the professor has continued to tryto make us grow to become the best we can be and to assess our lives sothat we can live our best intellectual lives… This is the best class Ihave ever had.”

“By far the best prof I’ve had”

“Friendly and knowledgeable; made special effort to be available forquestions and extra help.”

“Went more in-depth on these authors than anyone who has ever taughtme.”

“Real books! Not textbooks!”

“Not only have I learned a lot about political thought, but this coursetaught me to write a good essay more than my first year writing course.”

“My writing has definitely improved.”

“Just spectacular. One of the best professors I’ve ever had. If youhave any sense, you’ll hire him to stay.”

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Fall 2008, POL 202A: Classical Political Thought“Very knowledgeable and helpful.”

“Class makes you think & think differently to generate your own ideas.”

“Great lectures/discussions.”

“Loved it.”

“The materials used in class were perhaps the most educational thingsever written.”

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IV. University of Maryland (2004-2009)The following are summary statistics of informationcollected from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences(BSOS) course evaluation surveys. Questions 1-6 arerecorded for all BSOS courses, while questions 7-17 (initalics) are specific only to classes offered by theDepartment of Government and Politics. All questions arescored on a scale ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 representingthe most favorable response.1

Question

Fall ‘04GVPT 170TA2†

Spring ‘06GVPT 241Honors TA

Winter ‘09GVPT449C3

1. Overall, this was an excellent course

4.2 (+.33)

3.63

4.43

2. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field

4.17 (+.09)

3.95

4.43

3. The instructor treated the students with respect

4.41 (-.13)

4.63

4.57

4. Grades were assigned fairly andimpartially

4.35 (-.01)

4.16

4.43

5. The instructor presented the material clearly

4.24 (+.26)

4.16

4.29

6. The teaching methods in this course helped me learn the material

3.97 (+.2)

3.58

4.71

7. Overall, this course has been stimulating 4.41 4.37 5

1 The unbracketed number represents the mean score for the respective question for my course in a given semester. The bracketed score is the difference between my individual mean score and the respective mean score for the BSOS College or the Department of Government and Politics where I have had access to such data; a positive number indicates my mean score is higher than the College’s or Department’s, while a negative number indicates that the College’s or Department’s score is higher than my mean score. 2Please note that in Fall 2004, I had been a research assistant, but had to take over as a teaching assistant for this course partway through the semester due to an emergency with the previous TA. 3 I co-taught GVPT 449C with fellow graduate student Benli Shechter.

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and intellectually challenging. (+.31)8. I deepened my interest in the subject matter in this course.

4.24 (+.21) 3.37

4.71

9. The instructor appeared to have a thorough knowledge of the subject.

4.69 (=)4.84

4.71

10. Students in this course were free to disagree and ask questions.

4.79 (+.26) 4.42

5

11. The instructor seemed well prepared for each class.

4.62 (+.14) 4.42

5

12. Students feel comfortable asking questions.

4.48 (+.1) 4.16

4.71

13. I would recommend this course and instructor to others.

4.48 (+.43) 3.58

5

14. I found the TA to be helpful. 4.6 4.42 NA15. My TA grades papers, exams, and homework fairly.

4.564.28

NA

16. Overall, my TA is an excellent teacher. 4.52 4.58 NA17. The discussion section was very helpful in learning.

4.32 4.26 NA

18. Instructor treated all students fairly.4 NA NA 4.86

19. This class provided an atmosphere conducive to learning.§

NA NA 5

20. Instructor demonstrated extensive knowledge of subject.§

NA NA 5

Written Comments:In addition to the numerical evaluations of the course students are alsoasked to provide instructors with written comments. Below is aselection of the comments I have received from different students,broken down by course and year:

Spring 2006: Teaching Assistant for Political Philosophy Ancient and Modern: Honors“Excellent TA! One of best instructors so far at UMD.”

“Mr. McBrayer seemed to have an excellent understanding of the work. However, as a class, we missed out on a lot of his knowledge because he was overshadowed by the Professor.”

“TA Greg McBrayer was easy to talk to and very knowledgeable.”

4 New questions for this questionnaire in Winter 2009.

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“I think my TA was well prepared and enthusiastic about what we were discussing.”

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V. University of Georgia (2002-2004)

QuestionFall, 2002TA

Fall, 2002TA (Sec. 2)

Spring, 2003TA

Spring, 2004Instructor

1. Preparation 4.5 4.96 4.58 4.62. Instruction 4.19 4.6 4.32 3.973. Stimulation of Interest 4.38 4.56 4.26 4.144. Breadth 4.58 4.76 4.26 4.465. Concern for Student 4.15 4.5 4.5 3.916. Overall Rating 4.42 4.84 4.58 4.297. Instructor explains things clearly

4.46 4.76 4.58 4.03

8. I learned a great deal 4.15 4.4 4.11 4.269. Course was Demanding 3.62 3.64 3.58 4.2910. Instructor facilitatesdiscussion

4.65 4.92 4.39 4.57

11. Improved ability to think on my own

4.27 4.16 4.11 4.14

12. Course was well-organized

4.27 4.8 4.42 4.2

Mean of Q 1-5 4.36 (+.2)

4.68 (+.52)

4.37 (+.23)

4.22 (+.07)

Mean of Q 6 4.42 (+.25)

4.84 (+.31)

4.58 (+.75)

4.29 (+.07)

Mean of Q 7-12 4.24 (+.07)

4.45 (+.28)

4.19 (+.14)

4.25 (+.19)

NOTE: The unbracketed number represents the mean score for the respective question for mycourse in a given semester. The bracketed score is the difference between my individual meanscore and the respective mean score for the Department of Political Science where a positivenumber indicates my mean score is higher than the Department’s, while a negative numberindicates that the College’s or Department’s score is higher than my mean score.

Written Comments:In addition to the numerical evaluations of the course students are alsoasked to provide instructors with written comments. Below is aselection of the comments I have received from different students,broken down by course and year:

Spring 2004: Instructor for American Politics“Very interesting and demanding.”

“Instructor was organized, friendly, and helpful to students on anindividual basis.”

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“Instructor was very formal and concerning [sic] about our well being inclass. Took time to let us know what we needed to do in order to besuccessful in his course.”

“I like how the teacher always started conversions [conversations?],debates, and arguments.”

“I felt like Mr. McBrayer was one of the best teachers I have ever had.He clearly knew what he was talking about and he was able to teach in away that made the subject interesting. More teachers should be likehim. I learned so much.”

Spring 2003: TA for Introduction to American Politics“I liked both the professor and the TA. I thought they did a great job.I have no complaints. The course was conducted well considering thelarge class size. I particularly enjoyed my Monday classes with Mr.McBrayer. He showed legitimate interest in his students and tried toopen their minds to new ideas. I appreciate his efforts and thank himfor it.”

“Mr. McBrayer was an excellent teacher. The class was very thoughtprovoking. My intended major is political science, and this classassured me that I have picked the right major.”

“I enjoyed the help from the TAs. My TA was extremely helpful inlearning material.”

“I felt like I got just as much out of the discussion groups as I did inthe actual class.”

“TA: Greg did a wonderful job. It was obvious he does not do what hedoes simply to get it done, he does it because of so much more.”

Fall 2002: TA for Introduction to American Politics“I think he is a very good teacher and does very well in all aspects ofteaching.”

“Very organized and seemed interested in speaking about each topicdiscussed in class, provoked thinking.”

“Greg McBrayer has done a very good job teaching this course. He is oneof the few TA’s that I have had that actually knows the subject matterextremely well.”

“The class is very organized and I like the way the classes are setupbecause we discuss the readings and relate them to everyday situations.”

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Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

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Transcript of Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness