Evaluation for General Psychology

As of 2016, we have switched to a newer evaluation format. Below are links to the pdf files that summarize as well as show each student's responses to the new form.

Fall 2016

Overall Grade Distribution: Based on TWENTY class sections.

Overall Course Evaluation Averages

Beginning the Fall of 2002, along with the standard form, I began distributing my own five-question evaluation form to students. This form invites written comments designed to improve the class and is of course optional and responses are anonymous. (It is sealed with the RMU forms and delivered to me only after the beginning of the next semester.) Below are ALL of the responses I've received so far.

1. Were there any course topics (etc.) you would have liked to see in class (or on the internet)?
   
   • Yes, child development. Written by 2 people so far, but, I do (did) actually cover this chapter, I think this was written because the evaluations came so early in the semester (before this was covered in class).
   • After you do a day of notes post them on e-mails of people and let them study.
   • Well a lot of things in this course were covered in my psych class last yr. If we went even more in depth about other topics, that would have been cool. I guess I'll be scheduling other psych related classes in the future.
   • Paranormal things & ideas.
   • Maybe an intro. to paranormal psych.
   • No, I think that everything was covered.
   • All the ones I remembered were taught.
   • Not that I can think of. Maybe psych of psychos.
   • No everything was covered.
   • Criminal psychology.
   • Supernatural & superstitions.
   • No. I think everything was covered. Some things could have gone more into detail.
   • Yes, maybe a topic on disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. Like my comment above, I do (did) actually cover this, so this comment is likely due to the evaluations coming so early in the semester.
   • No. I generally liked the course material covered. I think we covered a broad range of topics and most of the material was quite interesting.
   • Relationships between men and women. Or a chapter on how to understand women would be nice too.
   • Not sure.
   • Not really topics but examples or experiments to show something.
   • Not yet.
   • No, everything given.
   • More on dreams.
   • I like the topics about dream states.
   • Abnormal psychology This topic was also covered a few weeks after evaluations were administered.
   • No - covered most things well.
   • Intelligence dealing with artificial intelligence (example: chess matches with a human vs. a supercomputer).
   • Relationships maybe.
   • A little more about depression stuff.
   • I would have been interested in mental deficiencies.
   • Not that I can think of.
   • No, good selection of topics.
   • Maybe depression.
   • More information on intelligence and less notes.
   • No it is all good.
   • Hypnotism or hypnosis. Indicated by 2 people so far.
   • What dreams mean, that's always interesting.
   • No not really can't think of anything.
   • No everything was more than enough. It was a lot of info.
   • How different drugs stimulate people's minds.

2. If you could reasonably change or improve one thing about this course, what would it be?
   • Test questions about notes given in class.
   • The wording on the test is really confusing. I think I would be able to do better if I understood the questions and definitions more clearly.
   • Give students a chance to write down all the notes.
   • Nothing except maybe reviewing more.
   • Review sessions - more of them.
   • I believe that the instructor should point out what ideas are the most important. (ex. what is the main focus of a chapter, rather than dozens of smaller points.)
   • Nothing. Written by 8 people so far.
   • SLOW DOWN THE SLIDES!
   • Clarity in some test questions.
   • More tests or quizzes. !
   • Going over in class some of the practice problems on the internet.
   • Make reading assignments more aware. Give like 10 pages or something like that to read a night.
   • Moves a little too quick.
   • Be slower with note taking. He goes too fast when we are copying them down.
   • Color of the walls (green).
   • The notes would coincide more w/ the text.
   • More review classes.
   • Maybe a review day before exams.
   • Use the book a little more, maybe thru quizzes or test questions. Also, more application of what we learn.
   • To emphasize reading the book more.
   • Give a few small homework assignments for some additional points.
   • The test questions being a little easier.
   • To be honest, this class is a blast and couldn't change anything except for the rate of speed we learned was too fast.
   • Less material to cover.
   • Review and prepare students for tests one day prior to the test.
   • I would change the information on the tests & have more possible ways to get points. Like quizzes.
   • Make tests easier, they're freakin impossible.
   • The tests. I think it should be broken down for 2 days of test taking.
   • The book being more involved. Notes already be filled out on the internet. More time to write down the notes.
   • Having to read the book. I think we get enough out of the lecture.
   • Yes, I think you could change the test test a little more. Make them more multiple choice than definitions b/c that is not on the internet quizzes.
   • I thought everything was done in a reasonable manner.
   • Go over maybe some more things that were in the book.
   • Easier tests/less note-taking!
   • Less material from book on exams and more from class notes.
   • I can't see the bottom of the screen.
   • There needs to be more class/student interaction in the class, if that is possible.
   • Clarify the test questions. I study definitions and they don't look like or sound like what I study.
   • Present the information a little slower & offer more help before exams.
   • Too many notes.
   • The amount of notes to take down.
   • Fine how it is.
   • I think there should be more work because some people are not good at taking tests and if that is all they are graded on they may not be fair to them.
   • Slower pace of classes. It was difficult to get all of the notes copied on many occasions.
   • I would have liked to have seen the notes spelled out on the internet. That would have allowed me to listen more in class instead of focusing on note-taking.
   • A test after every chapter instead of combining chapters. Other than that, it's pretty good. Wait, no pop quizzes!
   • Maybe a test after 1 or 2 chapters instead of 3 or 4.
   • Slower pace.
   • Use some different colors on the overhead.
   • More extra credit opportunities.
   • If I could change one thing about the class, I would have a review day, the class before the test day.
   • Nothing, I like it the way it is.
   • Food.
   • Really nothing.
   • Have test reviews before tests again.
   • Slow down rate of covering material.
   • How fast and long some of the notes are given.
   • Less notes.
   • I would like less notes.
   • Some handouts.
   • Those hard ass tests.
   • Notes on internet.
   • Make the tests not so confusing or "tricky."
   • Easy extra credit.
   • Grade not just reflective of the tests.
   • The fact that Dr. Paul flips the screen with his notes to fast.
   • Have smaller tests only 2 chapters because in some chapters there is way to much info. Class is too big for PsychOUT!.
   • Less stuff from the book. Maybe less notes.
   • I would like to see more class discussion on certain topics. So I could hear different opinions on certain subjects.
   • Only use half of the screen when doing PowerPoint presentations so people in back can see.
   • Not really, the presentation of the information is very well done.
   • Less writing in class.
   • No actually everything was really kool.
   • More reviews and PsychOUT!s before tests.
   • Online notes and class notes more pertinent to test (other than good examples). A lot of notes taken that weren't used again.

3. Is there anything you really liked (that Dr. Paul should definitely keep) in this course?
   • His enthusiasm to keep everyone interested.
   • I really like the way the lectures are done. They're east to understand and in depth enough to really help. I also like the extra credit opportunities. I also enjoy the illustrations used in the lectures, they help to visualize things.
   • Extra credit. Written by 3 people so far.
   • Humor and notes.
   • The PowerPoint presentations and the enthusiasm.
   • Just the way you taught class with such enthusiasm was fun, and it motivated me even more to learn about psychology.
   • His great sense of humor. I enjoyed being in his class due to the fact that he kept it fun and related with his students.
   • His jokes and light hearted humor.
   • The class notes on the board and internet notes.
   • Personality. Written by 3 people so far.
   • Style of teaching, was very effective. Kept students' attention.
   • Humor & examples.
   • I liked the quizzes in the internet. I should take more advantage of that. And the notes from the net will be great help for the final. I liked the text book, but it was expensive.
   • I liked it all.
   • I like how he teaches the class. He is very excited & keeps the class awake he has a lot of enthusiasm.
   • Sarcasm.
   • The chapters about child development & adolescence and adult behaviors were very interesting. I wish these could have been covered in more detail.
   • Quizzes online & the notes online.
   • The lectures are really good by relating them to life.
   • The internet stuff (study guides, quizzes) were great and really helped! I also liked the count down clock on the website.
   • The practice exams.
   • The online outlines helped out a lot in understanding & organizing the material.
   • I like the outlined notes used on the projector. It's always good to keep the jokes coming. They keep people awake.
   • Yes, his techniques on how to teach the subject less intensly.
   • His enthusiasm really made the class that much more enjoyable.
   • His humor, great for learning and makes me want to come to class.
   • The extra credits and the note outlines on the website.
   • How fun Dr. Paul's personality is. Dr. Paul makes this course unpredictable, and interesting. I really like the website, it helps a lot, especially the outlines!
   • Other than the test everything is good, especially demonstrations involving the students.
   • His humor. It keeps the class awake.
   • The internet stuff.
   • The PowerPoints are great! All the "games" used (showing us the pennies & having us try to pick out the right one) have a more effective impact and really enforce the idea or concept.
   • Keep teaching the same way with the jokes and stories. It keeps the class involved.
   • I like how you use the overhead to teach your class and how you sometimes give examples from your own life experiences & most of all the jokes that you tell. So, honestly I like this class more than all my other classes.
   • I liked the online notes and the practice quizzes online.
   • Yes. The online notes and exams helped a lot.
   • Your sense of humor.
   • The lecture outlines on the internet were quite helpful.
   • Everything! Written by 2 people so far.
   • Classic conditioning/sense of humor.
   • Practice tests & extra credit.
   • Keep the class upbeat, like it is now - and the extra credit.
   • The extra credit & outlines on his webpage.
   • The curve on the tests.
   • Using PowerPoint - the humor.
   • Interesting and laid back.
   • I really liked all the crazy examples that were given in class. It helped me remember certain things. Also the PowerPoint presentations.
   • His sense of humor.
   • I like the way he mixes in humor with the lectures. All of my favorite teachers mix humor in with their lessons because it keeps my attention and can easily understand it.
   • Extra credit opportunities, practice quizzes online, & grade posting online. It was extremely helpful! I also liked being involved in class when you had different activities for the class to do to better explain a concept.
   • I liked the use of the practice tests and grades on the internet. The tests came in handy when studying for exams. The extra credit opportunities were good as well (thought-provoking).
   • His good sense of humor and the notes that we take in class (they really help). IQ tests are fun!
   • The adolescence and adulthood chapters because we can relate to it.
   • Reinforcement by stories, I remember ideas better.
   • Internet quizzes. Internet notes are helpful even though notes rarely seem to appear on tests (hint, hint).
   • Humor, keeps interested, extra credit.
   • I like all the demonstrations he uses. Dr. Paul makes class not so boring. I also liked the ex-credit opportunities, it helps out a lot.
   • Make the class fun.
   • Games, and class discussion.
   • The way you teach the course and relay the message of the material to the students.
   • Good student teacher relationship.
   • I like the way you run your class. I would change nothing. You keep my interest in this class unlike many of my other professors.
   • The involvement of students, class discussions.
   • Examples that you used whether with the projector or w/ objects.
   • I like the overall format of the course, especially the use of stories & examples.
   • PsychOUT! was fun. Good examples & stories to go with subject matter.
   • PsychOUT!, the PowerPoint presentations, online practice tests.
   • Your humor adds something to the course that many professors lack.
   • PsychOUT! Written by 2 people so far.
   • I like the way the information is delivered. The demonstrations have been very interesting.
   • The amusing examples that stay in my mind during exams.
   • Enthusiasm.
   • PsychOUT!. Having grades on the internet.
   • The in-class demonstrations.
   • Sleep, history of psych.
   • The examples and class involvement.
   • The instructor's enthusiasm towards the class and his sense of humor.
   • Hairy tongue and the PowerPoint slides.
   • The humerous bonus questions I like to try to figure them out. The internet site is great.
   • His attitude toward teaching.
   • I liked the IQ tests.
   • The energetic teaching style.
   • Thing about dreaming, a lot of the stuff was interesting.
   • I really like how Dr. Paul cracks jokes now and then. It makes the class more interesting and exciting to come to. I like the practice exams too.
   • The professor's sense of humor; he made everything almost ...?
   • The IQ test was cool.
   • Just about everything. Your a great teacher. Web site is great.
   • Keep the humor.
   • His humour.
   • Class participation - entertainment factor.

4. Is there anything you did not like (that Dr. Paul should definitely get rid of) in this course?
   • Test questions came out of nowhere.
   • Speeding through the notes.
   • Tests. Written by 5 people so far.
   • Pop quizzes. Written by 5 people so far.
   • Cumulative exams.
   • Notes that don't matter, that we won't be tested on.
   • No, all of it is interesting.
   • The stuff that was in the book but not discussed in class that was on the tests.
   • No he was cool (or still is cool).
   • Psychology was based on different theories. I think we should have learned more.
   • Notes went too fast off the screen. Too much notes.
   • Hard test.
   • I liked the course.
   • The body parts. For ex. the diagram of the ear.
   • The couple of quizzes were unnecessary.
   • Expectations.
   • Sometimes towards the end of class he would rush through to finish on time and people couldn't get all of the notes and miss some of the things he says.
   • Nah, except the pop quiz every now and then: those are bad.
   • Get rid of that damn podium, it blocks the view of the overhead!
   • The eye and ear diagram.
   • How fast & long some of the notes are given.
   • Lots of notes.
   • Having to know the parts of the eye & ear.
   • The fact that Dr. Paul flips the screen with his notes to fast.
   • Less notes on slides.
   • I didn't understand what the eye & ear had to do w/ psychology. It felt more like an anatomy class.
   • Tests, and all the note taking.
   • Make up tests being essay form. I think it's not fair to people who have a very good excuse not to be in class the day of the class. The essay form is much harder.
   • Sensory.
   • No. I've enjoyed everything to this point.
   • Good way to give notes but people in the back sometimes can't see them.

5. Any additional comments?
   • You are a funny dude.
   • I like how you curve the exam grades. In a way, it keeps everything fair for us.
   • This is my favorite class. I enjoy coming here every day.
   • Great class although it's challenging, I enjoy every minute of it!
   • Good class.
   • I think that he should have homework so that students have more grades for their final grade.
   • He did a very good job. He is very knowledgeable and he puts his heart into teaching.
   • Class was exciting. Do not want to miss a class!
   • If possible, do not go as quick in notes and material covered.
   • How are you doing today Dr. Paul? R U OK?
   • Overall, the course seemed rather challenging for a freshman level class.
   • Don't assume that your class is fresh & soph. I'm a senior & when you make some comments I feel dumb 'cause I waited to take this class.
   • This is one of my favorite classes.
   • The chapters were too long.
   • Dr. Paul is great teacher, one of the best I've ever had.
   • I hope that Dr. Paul gets to teach college students for many years after this one. The reason being is that he is a very unique teacher with everything but a boring personality!
   • Dr. Paul's enthusiasm for the course & material make class fun & interesting.
   • The tests were hard but I think I learned a lot. I earned a "B" I studied as hard as I could.
   • Class was better than most.
   • Good job!
   • Very good teacher, gave examples and explained lectures so we could understand them.
   • A really great class, very enjoyable.
   • Good class overall.
   • Give students more work to be graded on rather than just tests.
   • I enjoyed your class very much, although it was a bit challenging (specifically the tests). I actually learned a lot in your class and had fun!
   • For a psychology class, I am glad that you made it exciting. I am not a big fan of psychology but you were able to make it interesting. This definitely helps the freshmen get a feel for college classes while still making it fun & interesting.
   • Your class is very enjoyable and informative! Thanks!
   • I like the way you teach! You kept me interested.
   • Class is always a new experience & it's good because you always keep us on our toes.
   • Dr. Paul is a very good teacher. Works well with students overall does a great job.
   • Party on.
   • Your class is very informative and interesting.
   • This is my most interesting class and it helps to have an interesting teacher (you) to teach it.
   • Psych is my favorite class.
   • I've enjoyed the class so far. Better instruction & classes than many others.
   • Love the sarcasm and humor.
   • Thanks for being a great teacher. I barely passed any of your test but I know I learned more than I thought I would.
   • Classes were enjoyable.
   • Classes were interesting and it was nice having a laid back type of class.
   • Great teaching style.
   • I liked the class, it kept me interested.
   • All so far its a good course.
   • Course is ok Dr. Paul makes it fun.
   • A enjoyable course.
   • Interesting/fun class.
   • Great teacher!
   • Dr. Paul is a good teacher.
   • To many definitions on tests.