Factors affecting teacher evaluation scores: the students` viewpoints of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: One of the main tasks of universities of medical sciences is teacher evaluation. During the evaluation process, the required data are collected and analyzed. Then the teachers are informed about the results in order to improve their teaching methods. This study was performed to determine the factors affecting teacher evaluation scores from the viewpoint of the students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on all the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences who had passed at least one semester and were familiar with the process of teacher evaluation. A number of 384 of students were selected randomly. The data collection tools were a demographic questionnaire and a questionnaire containing items on the factors influencing teacher evaluation scores. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The most important factors affecting the scores of teachers’ evaluation from the viewpoint of the students were: teachers' knowledge on the subject matter (4.53±0.8 out of 5), teachers' ability to convey the lessons (4.52±0.78), compatibility of class content material and final exam questions (4.40±0.79) and the least important of these factors were gender (3.48±1.01), teachers' age (3.28±1.14) and conducting tests to measure academic achievement of faculty members (3.1±1.42). Conclusion: According to the findings, empowering the faculty members regarding their teaching abilities and their communication skills seem to be necessary.