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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Nodar   Sitchinava   ICS443, Fall 2017

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 443 - Parallel Algorithms
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   79547 (001)    


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) 
4.0 10 0.82   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(20%) 7(70%) 0(0%) 1(10%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.0 10 0.0   10(100%) 0(0%)
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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
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) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.6 10 0.52   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(40%) 6(60%)
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) 
4.8 10 0.63   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 0(0%) 9(90%)
7.   The instructor was accessible to students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 10 0.42   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(20%) 8(80%)
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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
9.   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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
10.   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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
11.   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) 
4.8 10 0.42   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(20%) 8(80%)

12.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
Practicing developing algorithms in parallel. The strategies are very different from algorithms in series.
I personally liked the scribe notes. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I soon realized that I better understood the material that I had to do scribe notes for.
The scribe notes gave an excellent opportunity to review the lecture material in a way few students would on his/her own. It was also interesting to see other's style of note taking.
Very fine details
Our Professor's knowledge of the course material.
the complicated subject being broken down and easily digestible


13.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
Nothing that I can think of.
I think there was a lack of post-homework follow up. The homework was challenging and I think there is merit in reserving a small portion of class to go over some of the questions. This was done for a few homeworks but I think it should have been done for all of them.
Lack of slides for reference
The study materials outside of lecture (textbook, other materials).
everything i've learned in this course seems valuable

14.   The instructor gives clear explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.7 10 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(30%) 7(70%)
15.   The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
16.   The instructor seems knowledgeable in many areas.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
17.   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) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
18.   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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
19.   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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
20.   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) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
21.   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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
22.   The instructor was professional.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
23.   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) 
4.8 10 0.42   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(20%) 8(80%)
24.   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) 
4.7 10 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(30%) 7(70%)
25.   In general, the course was well organized.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.7 10 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(30%) 7(70%)
26.   The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
27.   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) 
4.89 9 0.33   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(11%) 8(89%)

28.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
Very good professor. Knowledgeable about the subject matter, and communicates it very clearly. I would take a class with him again.
Great professor. Very knowledgeable about the material and conveys it to students well.
Instructor who is knowledgeable in the fields of algorithm and is dedicated on algorithm research and teachings.
Very good instructor
Great teacher. Even though the material can be difficult, his explanations are clear and easy to follow
Excellent Professor. Challenges students a lot compared to most Professors I have taken, but also is willing to help much more than most Professors I have taken.
one of the best, if not the best ICS professor I've had, for a theoretical course.

29.   Assignments make students think.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
30.   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) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
31.   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) 
4.8 10 0.42   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(20%) 8(80%)
32.   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) 
5.0 10 0.0   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(100%)
33.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.9 10 0.32   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(10%) 9(90%)
34.   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) 
4.7 10 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(30%) 7(70%)

35.   What changes would you make in the lectures?
Nothing.
Maybe have a small powerpoint highlighting what was went over in each class. It doesn't need to be detailed, but if a student misses a class for whatever reason, there isn't much they can do to find out what they missed besides talking to somebody. It would also help for studying because a student could go through the lectures and fill in the information for each topic with their notes or notes from the book/online.
I would add more in-class exercises. I think even a short and simple one will keep the students focused and learning.
Include slides for general details or references to the textbook
Powerpoint/handouts accompanying lecture would be very useful.
remove scribe notes. It's an interesting idea, but being scribe for the day has interfered with my knowledge absorption in lecture because i've been worried about copying everything down. but other students may not share the same problem.


36.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
Interesting subject, and challenging course work. I enjoyed taking this class.
Tough course, which was expected. It definitely makes you think a lot.
Very challenging and rewarding
A good course to take if you are confident with your knowledge of ICS 311 (algorithms).
hard subject made manageable by a passionate and effective professor.


37.   Other comments:
None
Brushing up on run time analysis, proof of correctness (induction), mergesort, and linked lists/trees could be handy.