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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Nodar   Sitchinava   ICS311, Spring 2015

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 311 - Algorithms
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   89396 (002)    


1.   Class Level (pick one) - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Freshman (1)  Sophomore (2)  Junior (3)  Senior (4)  Grad (5)  Other (6) 
2.84 19 1.01   0(0%) 8(42%) 8(42%) 2(11%) 0(0%) 1(5%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.94 18 0.24   1(6%) 17(94%)
3.   The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.6   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 5(26%) 13(68%)
4.   The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.47 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 8(42%) 10(53%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 9(47%) 9(47%)
6.   The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.68 19 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(32%) 13(68%)
7.   The instructor was accessible to students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 9(47%) 10(53%)
8.   I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.26 19 0.73   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(16%) 8(42%) 8(42%)
9.   I developed the ability to solve real problems in this field.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.26 19 0.73   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(16%) 8(42%) 8(42%)
10.   I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.05 19 0.85   0(0%) 1(5%) 3(16%) 9(47%) 6(32%)
11.   I participated actively in class discussion.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.28 18 0.67   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(11%) 9(50%) 7(39%)
12.   I developed skills needed by professionals in this field.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.77   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(16%) 5(26%) 11(58%)
13.   I generally understood the material presented in this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.05 19 0.71   0(0%) 0(0%) 4(21%) 10(53%) 5(26%)
14.   I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(42%) 11(58%)
15.   I have become more competent in this subject area during this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.32 19 0.67   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(11%) 9(47%) 8(42%)

16.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
Group works during class time was very valuable.
Just having a wide range of places where you can earn points to help your grade. Good break down as far as the grade scale goes, making the homework and classwork important is what really helps the students who come to class everyday and may not be the best test takers.
The reverse lecture format. Learn the brand new subject matter on your own time, then do the work in class.
When we go over class work problems and homework problems he shows it on the white board in the front. Also during class work, I loved when he goes around to each table to see where we are at and asks if we have any questions and if we don't understand them he tries his best to break it down for you to understand.
I feel being able to do classwork problems aided in the understanding of the subject matter.
The topics, most of which were introduced to me in my ICS 141 and 241 courses. This course provided me an opportunity to learn about those topics more in-depth and a chance to demonstrate our understanding of them at a greater level than before.
Teamwork in solving challenging problems
The class time spent doing group work.
The problem solving in our groups during class was very helpful. It helped to reinforce what we read and saw in our lectures/screen casts.
Working on problems in groups in class, was very helpful, because it allowed us to apply the material we were learning to actual problems, as well as gain a better understanding through the process of solving the problems, as well as through the questions of our peers.


17.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
I felt that quizzes were a bit tribial
None.
None.
The assignments - I feel that at least a week should be given to complete them.
The quizes.
I think the quizzes that you have to take before each class were really hard. Also the midterms were super hard! There wasn't enough time to truly put as much thought into each problem as I would have liked.
There was not really any aspect of the course that wasn't valuable.

18.   The instructor gives clear explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.26 19 0.65   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(11%) 10(53%) 7(37%)
19.   The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 9(47%) 10(53%)
20.   The instructor stresses important points in lectures/discussions.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.26 19 0.73   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(16%) 8(42%) 8(42%)
21.   The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.69   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(11%) 7(37%) 10(53%)
22.   The instructor seems knowledgeable in many areas.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%)
23.   The instructor was able to explain concepts clearly and effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.69   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(11%) 7(37%) 10(53%)
24.   The instructor was effective in meeting the objectives of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.47 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(53%) 9(47%)
25.   The instructor was enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 9(47%) 10(53%)
26.   The instructor acknowledges all questions insofar as possible.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%)
27.   The instructor treated students fairly.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%)
28.   The instructor is willing to meet and help students outside class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.47 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 8(42%) 10(53%)
29.   The instructor makes me feel free to ask questions.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.47 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 8(42%) 10(53%)
30.   The teaching-learning strategies used in the course encouraged active class participation.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 9(47%) 9(47%)
31.   The instructor was professional.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.68 19 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(32%) 13(68%)
32.   The instructor seems well prepared for each class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%)
33.   The instructor presented the course materials in a clear and organized way.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 9(47%) 10(53%)
34.   In general, the course was well organized.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 9(47%) 10(53%)
35.   The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 7(37%) 11(58%)
36.   The instructor makes the course difficult enough to be stimulating.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.47 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 8(42%) 10(53%)

37.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
Great teacher, I was able to understand many of the new algorithm I encountered
Great Professor but just an overall difficult class because of the course material that is covered, Professor Sitchinava is great at taking big things and breaking down and making it clear.
Good
Great professor.
Professor Sitchinava makes learning mentally stimulating. He pushes for students to understand the course material rather than memorizing it.
He understands how adversity discourages students from continuing to work hard. He tries to clarify as much as he can without giving away the answer. He wants students to do well by struggling with their own problems.
Very challenging and knowledgeable. Overall a good teacher.
The professor sometimes had a hard time explaining difficult topics.
He is really smart and prepared for each class. He makes a great effort to help each of his students. I think that the subject matter is just very hard in general, so I give him a lot of credit for helping out the entire class.
He is a good teacher, and he seems very knowledgable in the subject.

38.   The TA gives clear and understandable explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.16 19 0.9   0(0%) 2(11%) 0(0%) 10(53%) 7(37%) 0(0%)
39.   The TA appears to have a thorough knowledge of the subject.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.58 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 6(32%) 12(63%) 0(0%)
40.   The TA grades paper (exams, homework) fairly.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%) 0(0%)
41.   The TA was easy to talk with and available for consultation.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.42 19 0.84   0(0%) 1(5%) 1(5%) 6(32%) 11(58%) 0(0%)
42.   The TA's comments on written work were helpful.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5)  N/A () 
4.33 19 0.77   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(16%) 6(32%) 9(47%) 1(5%)
43.   Assignments (papers, problem sets) seem carefully chosen.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.37 19 0.6   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 10(53%) 8(42%)
44.   Assignments make students think.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%)
45.   Assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(42%) 11(58%)
46.   The course materials (texts, handouts) make a valuable contribution to the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 9(47%) 10(53%)
47.   The instructional materials (e.g., texts, handouts, etc.) were relevant to course objectives.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(42%) 11(58%)
48.   In relation to the number of hours spent in class, this course requires an appropriate amount of homework.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.21 19 0.92   1(5%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 11(58%) 7(37%)
49.   The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(37%) 12(63%)
50.   Audiovisual materials (or computers) were adequate and used appropriately.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.58 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(42%) 11(58%)
51.   Examinations cover the important aspects of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.47 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(53%) 9(47%)
52.   The examinations are graded very carefully and fairly.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.32 19 0.75   0(0%) 1(5%) 0(0%) 10(53%) 8(42%)
53.   The exams gave students an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.37 19 0.6   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 10(53%) 8(42%)
54.   Exams and assignments were returned promptly so that learning was reinforced.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.37 19 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 12(63%) 7(37%)
55.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 11(58%) 8(42%)
56.   The grading system was clearly explained.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.42 19 0.61   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 9(47%) 9(47%)
57.   My grades accurately represent my performance in the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.26 19 0.81   0(0%) 1(5%) 1(5%) 9(47%) 8(42%)

58.   What changes would you make in the lectures?
Maybe in each lecture, spend a little bit more time going over the key ideas for each topic.
Lecture sometimes in class.
None.
Instead of going over all the answers to the quiz, only go over the answers to questions most students got wrong - if there are any. The time saved can be used for the class exercises.
N/a
Quizes should be more clear.
I would make the lectures and the screen casts a little shorter. While helpful, I tended to zone out the longer the notes/screen casts went on.
No changes.


59.   What changes would you make in the readings?
So much to read at once. Maybe break down chapters to understand it more.
None.
The addition of sample problems in the readings to help prepare students for the quizzes and the class exercises.
N/a
Stick to one source for the readings. I never read anything outside of the CLRS.
I would make the readings a little more simple. Some of the explanations given in the notes went straight over my head. But after re reading as well as looking online for other resources that explained the same thing in different words I was usually able to grasp the general concepts.
No change.


60.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
9/10 would retake (hopefully not...)
Even when this class has a longer time it still isn't enough to learn and understand everything.
I had a lot written earlier but I was timed out I have 4 minutes to write fill out another servery. I think with planning and observation introduction to algorithms will be a class with a better reputation.
This course is just the introduction to the topic. It allows students to receive the broad span of topics to the world of algorithms, and prepares them for ICS classes in the future.
A good class to engage students in analyzing, modifying and designing algorithms.
Very difficult and really makes you think.
I think the group worked in invaluable. I wish there had been study guides for the tests. Spent a lot of times on what I thought was important things to know for the exams but they weren't on them at all.
This course is really hard, but its not the professors fault. I think this class in general is just very difficult. I think the professor really makes an effort to help us succeed. Hopefully my peers and I all pass this course with good grades!
It was a difficult course, but I can see why it is a required course for the ICS major, it helps you to gain a better understanding of algorithms and how we apply them, in computer science.


61.   Other comments:
Thought there would be atleast one graph or hash table on the 2nd midterm since one of the homeworks tells you to make sure you can do the graph on the exam because students have messed up in the years before, that made it sound like it was a gurantee to be on the 2nd midterm
No other comments.
N/a
Examples could sometimes be more clear.
Thank you to Professor Sitchinava and our TA Lei for all their help this semester, it is greatly appreciated!