Ratings touch on a variety of aspects in the classroom
These are anonymous surveys which allows students to be completely honest
Have questions about the teaching environment and effectiveness (ex: does teacher stay on topic? Is teacher readily available to help outside of class?)
Provides teacher with information on what they are doing right or wrong
Shows teacher where they may need to improve
In methods where other teachers or the principle may assess teachers sometimes a teacher may act differently on that particular day or be nervous, this method allows the teacher to be assessed on their everyday behavior and is based on a longer period not just one day
Allows students to be able to voice their opinion, what is working in the classroom, what isn't etc.
Cons
Can be biased, not based on teaching ability alone
If a student does not like the personality of a teacher, may give bad ratings
If a student is not satisfied with their grade this could also affect their ratings
Some comments or ratings could be perceived as rude
May be influenced by outside factors (ex: having a bad day, recently received a bad test score)
Gives students a lot of power, that may be misused by some
Could these evaluations ever be available publicly?