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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Nodar   Sitchinava
  TA: ${survey.ta} :
  ICS311, Spring 2018

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 311 - Algorithms
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   82003 (001)    
TA: Ben Karsin : Kyle Berney


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) 
3.12 25 1.3   0(0%) 10(40%) 8(32%) 4(16%) 0(0%) 3(12%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.96 24 0.2   1(4%) 23(96%)
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) 
4.8 25 0.5   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 3(12%) 21(84%)
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) 
4.38 24 0.92   0(0%) 1(4%) 4(17%) 4(17%) 15(63%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.24 25 0.88   0(0%) 1(4%) 4(16%) 8(32%) 12(48%)
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) 
4.52 25 0.59   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 10(40%) 14(56%)
7.   The instructor was accessible to students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.16 25 0.94   0(0%) 2(8%) 3(12%) 9(36%) 11(44%)
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) 
3.63 24 1.13   0(0%) 5(21%) 6(25%) 6(25%) 7(29%)
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) 
3.44 25 1.26   2(8%) 4(16%) 6(24%) 7(28%) 6(24%)
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) 
4.75 24 0.53   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 4(17%) 19(79%)
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) 
3.64 25 1.04   0(0%) 4(16%) 7(28%) 8(32%) 6(24%)

12.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
Classroom team classwork
The process of solving very hard problems through trial and error. And taking a more abstract approach to getting a solution.
Trying to learn how to do/make algorithms efficient
The in class exercises, while challenging, were very instructive. I also appreciated how the work done in class served to emphasize the material and prepare us for the problems on the current topic's homework.
The homeworkâ??s.
While theory isn't my favorite part of learning a subject, I can see why understanding the theory behind the material taught in this class is important.
I found the most valuable aspect was working with groups to solve the in-class problems since I learned better doing "hands on" work rather than just reading from a textbook.
The in-class exercises allowed me to interact with other students in the class and deepen my understanding of the course concepts. I loved the flipped classroom because it allowed me to watch the lectures on my own time and either speed it up, slow it down, pause it, or something in between based on the concept and my time.
Learning the various ways in which to design algorithms and problem solve.
The passion for teaching that Nodari has
Given problems and exercises that challenged my thinking, and helped me to gain more understanding of that concept.
In class problems
Algorithms and understanding them and applying them.
The group work and recitations were definitely the most helpful aspects of the course.
Proofs
Runtime analysis
quizzes/questions
All of it! Each and every aspect was valuable, and while none of them are any less valuable than the rest, they are all definitely, the equally, greatly valuable towards improving in the course. Quizzes were great to understand what we didn't know, the professor explained them well, class work helped out with solving homework and helped deepen the understanding of the subject, and office hours were great to ask to improve yourself in understanding the subject or to prepare for the exam.
The quiz
In class examples and exercises during normal lecture. Access to lecture notes for each section and additional materials.
Having video and lecture notes to refer to as the text is dense, at least to me.
tutorials, but hope they are more succinct.
The homeworks and tests required us to think outside of the box to get the answer. This was both extremely challenging and rewarding when you get the right answer.


13.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
quizzes
The pace took away from really understanding the topic.
The inverted class
I would probably rate the quizzes as the least valuable component of the course, because they mostly only served to reinforce the basic concepts in the material. However, some quizzes were more instructive/valuable than others, and it would be difficult to imagine the same course taught without a quiz component.
The quizzes at the start of the class
None
I thought that there should be some lecture time for this class. Maybe the class meet everyday for a shorter amount of time and give lectures. Although this is probably not likely. I think most people like the traditional lecture format for this type of difficult class though.
None.
Umm, the many hours of sleep lost to this class? Then again I don't sleep much anyway.
Waaaaay too many topics for a single semester
In class quizzes, that are graded by other students. In class group exercises for participation that is determined by your peers.
Everything was pretty useful
reversed taught class.
Most aspects were very valuable however maybe the time allocated for each could change.
the class style
No lecture to explain material to us in person.
None, all aspects were important!
class exercises
Recitation to some extent, mostly due to the size and layout of the room making it harder to see and follow problems being done.
Having to rely on the videos to learn the material.
time and expectation ratio is not realistic
There was a huge amount of difficulty due to the fact that you had to teach yourself the material on your own before coming to class. I do not like this style of teaching because I always learn more when the teacher explains the material and walks us through it.

14.   The instructor gives clear explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.12 25 0.93   0(0%) 2(8%) 3(12%) 10(40%) 10(40%)
15.   The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.28 25 0.98   1(4%) 0(0%) 3(12%) 8(32%) 13(52%)
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) 
4.76 25 0.44   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(24%) 19(76%)
17.   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) 
4.24 25 0.72   0(0%) 0(0%) 4(16%) 11(44%) 10(40%)
18.   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) 
4.16 25 0.75   0(0%) 0(0%) 5(20%) 11(44%) 9(36%)
19.   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) 
4.6 25 0.58   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 8(32%) 16(64%)
20.   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) 
4.36 25 0.64   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(8%) 12(48%) 11(44%)
21.   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) 
4.32 25 0.8   0(0%) 0(0%) 5(20%) 7(28%) 13(52%)
22.   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) 
4.2 25 1.08   1(4%) 1(4%) 3(12%) 7(28%) 13(52%)
23.   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) 
3.96 25 1.17   1(4%) 3(12%) 2(8%) 9(36%) 10(40%)
24.   The instructor was professional.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.56 25 0.58   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 9(36%) 15(60%)
25.   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) 
4.52 25 0.65   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(8%) 8(32%) 15(60%)
26.   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) 
4.04 25 0.93   0(0%) 2(8%) 4(16%) 10(40%) 9(36%)
27.   In general, the course was well organized.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.13 23 0.97   1(4%) 0(0%) 3(13%) 10(43%) 9(39%)
28.   The instructor sets high standards for students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.54 24 0.66   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(8%) 7(29%) 15(63%)
29.   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) 
4.17 24 0.96   0(0%) 2(8%) 3(13%) 8(33%) 11(46%)

30.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
Great
He is very smart and will definitely challenge you beyond what you are use to.
They are extremely knowledgeable of the subject but I do not feel like they taught well in this class.
I would say that Nodari is a very passionate teacher, and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the subject of algorithms. I am grateful to have had him as my instructor for 311, as I feel as though I was able to get a lot out of the course as a side effect of his endless passion for the subject matter.
Good teacher, I donâ??t like backwards classrooms. It doesnâ??t give the teacher time to shine, and teach us. I donâ??t want to learn at home, I want my smart teacher to teach it.
Nodari, Kyle, and Ben are overall awesome instructor/TAs. They tried to make the material interesting and tried to give better understanding of the material.
He's very organized and good at explaining complicated concepts in a way so that you can understand it.
Nodari is a great teacher who knows his stuff and is willing to help anyone who is willing to learn. He has many opportunities for students to ask questions and is available by email. As long as you put in work and show effort, he is more than willing to help you understand the concepts, but he will not do the work for you. Don't be afraid to ask him questions.
Great teacher. He was extremely knowledgable and very patient with all students regardless of their questions. He would go out of his way to further explain material to that any student who was lost.
Great teacher, and kind of dragged us along. But thatâ??s more so the material than him. If there were a way to go in depth to the topics discussed it would go a lot smoother. But he also over estimates the ability that we are at. Although the standards of ICS at UH is high, I feel like he forgets what itâ??s like to be completely lost on a problem, because itâ??s the first time seeing it.
Overall very knowledgeable and educated of course concepts. However, Professor Sitchinava did not teach the course, and I feel that if he did that I would have understood the concepts better than teaching myself.
Pretty good instructor/TAs Course was hard only because the material itself was difficult I think they provided whatever they could to help us understand as much as we could.
great professor
Professor Nodari has proven himself over and over again to be very knowledgeable and a helpful instructor. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to take this class to take it with Nodari. This class was definitely a challenge but Nodari, Kyle, and Ben were very helpful.
He's okay
Very good
100% the best professor I have had so far in my entire life, and would definitely want to take again, purely because I feel he is the best if one would want to improve themselves in the course.
good
Expert level knowledge of the materials and very good availability and ability to answer questions posed by students.
The instructor/TAs seemed knowledgeable in the course material. They were available outside of class time for assistance.
This was a hard class, but it did seem fair most of the time because you had the opportunity to ask questions and read the book to get the answer. Nodari clearly knows what he is talking about, but that does not always translate into him teaching the subject well to students that are new to what he is talking about.

31.   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 () 
4.25 25 0.68   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(12%) 12(48%) 9(36%) 1(4%)
32.   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 () 
4.41 24 0.59   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 11(46%) 10(42%) 2(8%)
33.   Assignments make students think.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.68 25 0.63   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(8%) 4(16%) 19(76%)
34.   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) 
4.25 24 1.07   1(4%) 1(4%) 2(8%) 7(29%) 13(54%)
35.   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) 
4.36 25 0.91   1(4%) 0(0%) 1(4%) 10(40%) 13(52%)
36.   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) 
3.96 25 1.1   1(4%) 1(4%) 6(24%) 7(28%) 10(40%)
37.   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) 
4.24 25 1.01   1(4%) 1(4%) 1(4%) 10(40%) 12(48%)
38.   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) 
4.2 25 0.96   1(4%) 0(0%) 3(12%) 10(40%) 11(44%)
39.   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) 
4.08 25 0.95   0(0%) 2(8%) 4(16%) 9(36%) 10(40%)
40.   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) 
4.24 25 0.88   0(0%) 1(4%) 4(16%) 8(32%) 12(48%)
41.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.12 25 1.05   1(4%) 1(4%) 3(12%) 9(36%) 11(44%)
42.   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) 
3.96 25 1.14   1(4%) 2(8%) 4(16%) 8(32%) 10(40%)

43.   What changes would you make in the lectures?
none
Balance out the flipped classroom method with traditional.
Actually make lectures because when you explained things such as how to do an algorithm, it was so much easier to understand than reading the book, lecture notes, and the screen casts.
At times, I wish that we had more time to work through the exercises in our individual groups, without having to wait for certain tables to catch up the exercises. I often felt like I didn't have enough time to work through the exercises in class, and while I would have liked to have gone over the class work at home for review, I simply did not have enough time to do that amidst my other course, job, and project obligations.
Change it to a lecture style class.
If material could be made easier that would be helpful, but I know that's not an option. The recitation days are helpful, but it's unfortunate that it's taken from lecture hours.
Have more lecture time. I personally learn much better this way and some other classmates said they do too.
None, although I will point out that it is frustrating when you are paired up with classmates who are either extremely quiet (like won't talk at all), or extremely disruptive, although this can't be helped.
Hard to say. We seemed to get stuck on the classwork more often than we should have, so maybe more time explaining the material? I still felt the quizzes and short question period was mostly sufficient.
I would actually teach the material, especially material that I know students have a difficulty with.
spend time to explain the text book in depth.
Longer time to solve and go over in-class group work would have been more benefitial. Other than that the lectures have been great and very helpful.
To learn from him instead of watching videos
More lecturing of the material
group work during recitation
There are none, so none particularly.
n.a.
Possibly more use of specific examples for certain topics like dynamic programing or solving recurrences.
Instead of relying solely on the videos to teach the material, maybe use it as a supplement or something. Potentially watch the videos and read the text before class and then lecture about the main points in the actual class time. Then proceed to do group work with the extra time remaining.
better tutorial, clarification on materials is needed in class, hope there would be some teaching on the material in class to conclude what we learned from the material instead of completely flipped and only exercise .
I support the more traditional style of lectures where you go over the materials in class and then do homework at home. I did not think the reverse classroom format fit well with me.


44.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
good
Very difficult and and fast paced. Could have learned more at a slower or longer duration.
First off, the instructor and TAs are extremely knowledgeable of the course material. I felt like this class (as well as many other inverted or ics classes) does not really teach. It is more like: here is the problem, do it. I feel you have to teach yourself a lot more (which isn't a bad thing but may be a reason why people don't do so well). It also makes me feel like, what's the point in taking this class when I have to do most of it myself. Another reason of why I struggle is because a lot of this is new, many of the things we did or have seen was the first time I saw it in my life. The daily quizzes were stressful but it did help. A lot of times, I felt that the homework/ class exercise solutions were pulled out of nowhere and made me feel like, no matter how hard i tired i would have never gotten that answer. Lastly, I do not think there was enough examples for many of the topics. When trying to do practice problems from the book, there wasn't a solution to be found unless it was on the internet (which could still be wrong). The lecture notes used many of the same examples from the book. I prefer to not search the web for solutions and examples as many of them are wrong or not the same as we are doing in this class. Overall, I do not like the inverted class and some of the exercises and homework. I think it would have been better if were taught to understand foundation more.
This was probably the most challenging course I have ever taken in my academic career. The sheer volume of material, coupled with rapid progression through the topics, made it difficult to stay on top of things. However, I would like to think that I got a lot out of the class, and sharpened my problem solving skills, creativity, and ability to think outside of the box.
Good
Overall this course is hard and it can be very intimidating when it's the first time you're seeing it, but it's doable. I feel that I learned a lot and have a better understanding of algorithms.
It's a difficult course that is made even difficult by having to go home and "teach" yourself hard to understand concepts.
This is a great course that will challenge you immensely, but the knowledge you will gain is priceless. In all honesty, this class rekindled my love for math, but it also drained so much out of me this semester. It was a love hate relationship, but I am very glad for this class. It does require a lot of time if you want to pass this class, but it isn't impossible. Use the people and resources available to you and do not be afraid to ask questions.
There wasn't much wrong with the course in my opinion. The material is just insanely hard and takes a lot of practice and suffering to properly understand. But damn, you learn a shit ton of useful stuff in this class.
The notes donâ??t cover enough, and the textbook is too thick. The amount of material is ridiculous. Great teacher, great TAs , but this course is such a grind. You can work your ass off and still fail.
Difficult. I was taking 5 other classes as well with this one, which made managing extremely hard. If I was only taking this course and nothing else, I would have done much better and be able to dedicate the needed time for this course.
Extremely difficult course Its necessary to put in the work and the instructor gives as much as he could so we could understand
Challenging course no bullshit, all flaws and efforts are shown on examinations.
Overall this course is a solid 10/10. Was a huge challenge but I feel like I learned a lot in this class compared to some other courses I have taken.
It's okay
Hard, but good
The course overall may not have been my favorite if not for the professor, who was able to test students well on what they knew or not, and definitely improve them in ways of solving problems and towards studying and test taking.
good!
It is an extremely tough course that requires more time and dedication then some students can give. The instructor and TAs are more than fair however and try to give every opportunity to learn the subject as they can.
This course is tough and the text is hard to grasp. Yes, the videos and lecture notes help but it is hard to pick out the most important details and remember them.
Very difficult to understand the material and very difficult to keep up with the pace of the class due to the amount of material we had to learn before the semester's end. This course was fair in the way that you get what you earn, but I feel like the reverse classroom format gave an added sense of difficulty.


45.   Other comments:
none
Make more office hours. Check with other professors that teach the prerequisites of this course, I think a lot of us do not know what we are suppose to before coming to this class. This class is too fast, maybe split it into algorithms 1 and algorithms 2?
Overall I would say that I enjoyed taking this class.
IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW STUPID OR DUMB A SOLUTION IS. IF YOU CAN PROVE IT WORKS, THEN IT WORKS.
Thanks for putting up with the stupid people. We appreciate it
Professor Nodari Sitchinava, was not understanding nor empathetic to feelings and personal matters.
None.
It's actually a real shame for the semester to end, but the course really made me develop a passion for algorithms, and I'll be furthering my knowledge in this field in computer science as much as possible on my own.
I honestly felt that I learned most efficiently after having done the quizzes and then having the answers explained. Maybe I'm just not used to inverted classroom or not but having at least a partial lecture about the material may have been more beneficial.