Student Evaluations of Teaching: Strengths, Limitations, and a Path Forward

BACKGROUND: Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) are commonly used in nursing education to assess instructional effectiveness and inform faculty evaluation. PROBLEM: While SETs offer insight into the student experience, questions persist about their interpretation and potential to discourage academic rigor. More recent concerns relate to SETs' vulnerability to bias and impact on faculty well-being. APPROACH/OUTCOMES: A revised evaluation approach proposes redesigned SETs and the incorporation of teaching portfolios, student focus groups, peer review, and leadership support. CONCLUSIONS: Positioning SETs within a broader system supports a more equitable and meaningful way to evaluate faculty.