For every NIU class, students have the opportunity to praise or criticize their instructor without risking their grades — but the value of the feedback may be a matter of opinion.

Teacher evaluations, which remain anonymous if students choose, are part of the semester’s final days, when departments seek feedback on faculty members.

“They are required for all classes,” said Craig Abbott, an English professor. “They are usually administered by the students.”

Teachers receive the results of the survey evaluations shortly after the semester ends. Among other questions, students are asked whether the instructor explained the class’ objective and design effectively, whether the class was interesting and whether the experience was worthwhile. Answers for each inquiry range from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.”

“They serve a number of purposes,” Abbott said of the evaluations. “Teachers get a chance to understand how students perceive the course.”

But Shenna Hill, a sociology major, said Scantron evaluations are not always an accurate indicator of how students really feel. The available answers don’t always apply.

“Some people just chose all Bs,” Hill said, “just writing down what you think is better.”

“They can be helpful sometimes,” added Kevin Uhalde, a history instructor. “But sometimes questions are too general. It’s hard to get specific advice. But it’s good to get an overall impression.”

Students can supplement any evaluation with additional comments or suggestions.

“They do make a difference,” Abbott said. “I have benefited from them. It can be quite useful.”

But some students think it doesn’t really matter.

“I don’t understand if it’ll change anything,” said Ben Peters, a freshman accounting major. “A lot of people don’t take them seriously. If students really have a problems, they should go to the department.”

If the pre-made evaluation sheets are not helpful enough, teachers can seek their own evaluations directly.

“I’ll ask students to put constructive comments,” said Christopher Hubbard, an associate professor of biological sciences. “They write what needs to be worked on and things I didn’t even realize.”

He added that students shouldn’t feel inhibited about what they write. Some instructors may change their methods based on the evaluations.

“I have modified the course,” Hubbard admitted. “It’s their course and it should do what they need.”