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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):   86024 (002)    
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) 
3.65 20 1.23   0(0%) 2(10%) 10(50%) 4(20%) 1(5%) 3(15%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
2.0 21 0.0   0(0%) 21(100%)
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) 
4.75 20 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 3(15%) 16(80%)
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 21 1.07   1(5%) 1(5%) 0(0%) 6(29%) 13(62%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.19 21 1.08   1(5%) 0(0%) 4(19%) 5(24%) 11(52%)
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) 
4.71 21 0.56   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 4(19%) 16(76%)
7.   The instructor was accessible to students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.52 21 0.75   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(14%) 4(19%) 14(67%)
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) 
3.76 21 0.83   0(0%) 1(5%) 7(33%) 9(43%) 4(19%)
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) 
4.05 21 1.07   1(5%) 1(5%) 2(10%) 9(43%) 8(38%)
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) 
4.76 21 0.54   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 3(14%) 17(81%)
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) 
3.9 21 1.0   1(5%) 1(5%) 2(10%) 12(57%) 5(24%)

12.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
all of it, this was a really well thought out class
The homework and recitations
I liked looking over different data structures and making abstractions about their performances. At first I didn't like the flipped classroom but I have gotten used to it and actually like it.
being able to work in groups with others
Most valuable was group work and the feedback/hints we were provided during class. I also found the daily quizzes to act as an effective fear tactic in forcing me to come prepared to class.
Nodar and the TA's knowledge depth of the material. Interacting with them made the learning process possible.
The understanding of how that this will be just the beginning of the toxic gate-keeper culture in software engineering.
Taking this course opened my eyes and deepen my understandings on concepts. It taught me that practice is important and crucial for deeper understanding. The importance of run time and creating efficient algorithms.
I loved the collaborative classroom. very useful for the type of class structure. Learning more abstractly was difficult, but very valuable.
Any aspects. Essential
In-class exercises and recitations.
Doing the homework was the most valuable because it asked questions that expanded on the concepts that were introduced in the notes.
Doing the class problems as a group was very helpful in the learning process because when someone would have a hard time understanding a concept it a student had the opportunity to teach the other, in turn, helping both students. Quiz and exams were always graded very fast which were great because it saved me the anxiety of waiting weeks before getting my score back. I also appreciated the fact that we exams were curved and were were allowed a cheat sheet .
Quiz: testing students whether they are well prepare or not before coming to the class.
Getting used to the technical formality used to convey the ideas of the course, learning to think in a "logically creative" way, learning to see through the details of a problem, learning to prioritize efficiency for writing code, learning to look for clear deductions from one idea to the next, the general knowledge of many famous algorithms and their different applications
dynamic programming ideas and runtime analysis


13.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
the homework's seemed way more difficult than necessary
I personally don't like flipped classroom structure. Which I understand Dr. Sitchinava does prefer; however, I don't think flipped classrooms are conducive to learning.
Homework due during the lab class.
Overall I think the course was very well structured. Although it was a lot of work it seemed like it was necessary with little to no "busy work."
Ironically, the group excercises. No matter what I never felt prepared for these exercises no matter how much I prepared. It would be nice to get these excercise questions sent in adavanced so that we can focus our studies on th specific concept being emphasized
Tuesday lab would be just as effective on screencast. Time better spent teaching methods, tips and tricks pertaining to the topic.
The format is absolutely ludicrous. The instructor only exists to punish you and induce severe testing anxiety.
None
Working in group for the in-class exercises. Most time of the class was wasted when no one had an idea on how to solve the problem or when a group was thinking wrong.
Like many ICS classes, a lot of the actual "learning" is more of a "teach yourself" method which isn't really ideal for some, if not most people. And as much as I'd want to focus solely on this course since it requires a lot of time outside of class to really understand the material, it can be a tough balance with other courses, work, extra curricular, and so on.
Class exercise.
The in-class exercises sometimes felt unrelated to what we were studying that week. Some of the material, since the ideas themselves being very complicated and detailed, seemed extremely particular in its practical application, like there would only be one or two situations when I would ever need to know or use it. Having this feeling often made it hard to get motivated to study.

14.   The instructor gives clear explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.19 21 0.98   1(5%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 9(43%) 9(43%)
15.   The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.43 21 0.98   1(5%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 6(29%) 13(62%)
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 21 0.89   1(5%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 19(90%)
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) 
4.38 21 1.02   1(5%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 5(24%) 13(62%)
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) 
4.38 21 0.97   1(5%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 7(33%) 12(57%)
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) 
4.57 21 0.6   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 7(33%) 13(62%)
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) 
4.5 20 0.76   0(0%) 0(0%) 3(15%) 4(20%) 13(65%)
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) 
4.71 21 0.64   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 2(10%) 17(81%)
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) 
4.55 20 0.69   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 5(25%) 13(65%)
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) 
4.62 21 0.92   1(5%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(19%) 16(76%)
24.   The instructor was professional.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.71 21 0.9   1(5%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 18(86%)
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) 
4.86 21 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 1(5%) 19(90%)
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) 
4.24 21 1.0   1(5%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 8(38%) 10(48%)
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) 
4.4 20 0.68   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 8(40%) 10(50%)
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) 
4.76 21 0.54   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 3(14%) 17(81%)
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) 
4.48 21 0.98   1(5%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 5(24%) 14(67%)

30.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
he's a really good teacher. He explains things well, hes funny, and the class is set up so you have to engage and deepen your understanding of the material.
Good
Very good professor. He expects a lot of his students but for good reason. The class is hard, nice to have a professor who is passionate about it.
The instructor and TAs were great and very helpful
TAs and Professor were extremely helpful thought I did struggle with learning the marterial on my own before class.
Very knowledgeable of the course material and approachable at anytime. Would have really enjoyed getting a few lectures about the material rather than doing exercises. His delivery of the material is much easier to absorb and understand than the readings and Suthers' screencasts.
He is a witch-hunter. Wrote us off and blamed the students at every junction. All advice boiled down to "I told you so".
Nodari is a very straightforward teacher. He is a man that knows his stuff and strongly encourages students to think for themselves, while trying to steer them in the right direction. Although he is intimidating to approach for help, I noticed that after gathering the courage to seek for help, Nodari does his best to help students understands using various different approaches until the students can understand the concept.
The TAs were great. They were available and willing to help and explained the material clearly. The instructor was good also, but there were a few times where his help would confuse you even more or you wouldn't be able resolve a solution from his help.
I thought that professor Nodari was very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject but sometimes he can be confusing because sometimes he would come around and when we would ask a question, he would ask a question back or say something that would confuse the hell out of me and rethink if I understood what I am doing rather than the TAs just answer my question.
When we are stuck on the class problems the hints we were given led us on a clearer path as to what was expected but also still didn't make it completely obvious as to what the solution was. And when we really had no clue what to do, Nodari's explanations helped A LOT in understanding the material. Ben and Kyle were also very helpful in helping me comprehend the material and they both were very open for any questions.
Clearly explain the course materials, giving help of homework/class exercise.
Instructor: Overall, he's pretty good. He seemed to want people to succeed and learn the material, and also seemed to design the class to be as effective/efficient as possible, which are both good things. He's also reasonable and approachable. Sometimes his explanations of ideas or concepts went off the rails and into the abyss of confusion, leaving me more confused or feeling lost than before I asked, and he rarely gave direct answers to anything. I think he over-estimated our classes' knowledge of some topics in discrete math and such. Sometimes I felt like the questions he was asking us were unfair, and it made me quite angry, but most of the time the questions he asked us were intriguing and seemed within reach. I also like his combative style, where he pushes you to justify your answers, instead of allowing you to mindlessly regurgitate facts from the book or notes. It isn't pleasant when he's doing it, and sometimes it felt like he was being kind of ruthless, but it's the kind of thing that helps you a lot in the long run, so I'm grateful for it. TA's: Both were nice, and both were encouraging and relatable. They both made time to answer questions and their explanations were easy to follow, and they seem to understand (or remember) the common misconceptions people have or errors people make for each topic, so could offer clarifying information. Both gave direct answers to questions.
effective educator if the student knows what they are doing.

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 () 
4.52 21 0.93   1(5%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(29%) 14(67%) 0(0%)
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 () 
4.62 21 0.67   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 4(19%) 15(71%) 0(0%)
33.   Assignments make students think.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.67 21 0.91   1(5%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(14%) 17(81%)
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) 
4.38 21 0.92   0(0%) 1(5%) 3(14%) 4(19%) 13(62%)
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) 
4.57 21 0.68   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(10%) 5(24%) 14(67%)
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) 
4.1 21 1.14   1(5%) 1(5%) 3(14%) 6(29%) 10(48%)
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) 
4.29 21 1.19   1(5%) 1(5%) 3(14%) 2(10%) 14(67%)
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) 
4.14 21 1.24   1(5%) 2(10%) 2(10%) 4(19%) 12(57%)
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) 
4.0 21 1.3   1(5%) 3(14%) 2(10%) 4(19%) 11(52%)
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) 
4.62 21 0.97   1(5%) 0(0%) 1(5%) 2(10%) 17(81%)
41.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.14 21 1.15   1(5%) 1(5%) 3(14%) 5(24%) 11(52%)
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) 
3.62 21 1.28   2(10%) 1(5%) 7(33%) 4(19%) 7(33%)

43.   What changes would you make in the lectures?
the only thing I would change is the difficulty level of the homework
Use the lab time to answer homework question and have homework due at the end of lab. Also not have true false question also needing an explanation. I got something right with the explanation but wrong because i put true when it was false.
I think the flipped classroom works well, it would be nice to have a cushion of 1-2 quizzes that are allowed to miss. I only missed one class and had to take a zero on the quiz.
ItĆ¢??d be helpful if we had a short individual with answers explained to help us ease into the more difficult group work. I know we do this during quizzes but I feel like warm up problems would help tooĆ¢??the quizzes always made me too anxious.
Having a lecture every once in a while to maximize the short amount of time we have with the professor and the plethora of knowledge he bears. Tuesday for teaching instead of going over the homework, screen cast seems more efficient for homework.
Have literally any purpose other than brutalizing the students ego.
I enjoyed turning in homework on Tuesdays so I would not change that.
Cut the time group discussions to maximize the amount of material we go over. Also, when starting a problem in the in-class exercise, I think we could maximize our class time if you gave a hint as an announcement after a minute of group thinking since in most cases you'd go from table to table giving a hint. Another change I would make is to teach student the connections they could make to each topic and teach the deeper meanings of an algorithm.
Personally I like the face to face learning rather than reading the notes online because the instructor teaches it so whatever he tells you is whatever is on the exams rather than overlooking something and later surprised finding it on the exam
Although I find it valuable to do the in class problems, I wish we had enough days in the week to do a lecture where we are taught the material one day (still expecting students to try to understand the material beforehand so a quiz will still be given at the beginning of class) and the next day is when we are to do the class problems. (but then again there's so much material to cover in one semester that I'm not sure how that would ever work out.)
Should explain an example problem before doing the class exercise.
Instead of doing in-class exercises every class, maybe spend time going over problems similar to what will be on the homework assignment. Also, if the in-class exercises are too hard, just by increasing the number of people working on the problem by putting people in groups doesn't make the problems any easier. I often found it very hard to concentrate on solving the problems in-class, as it's hard for me to engage with the ideas before I really comprehend them. And having hard quizzes every day was stressful. Often my classmates would develop some kind of solution to a problem, and I wouldn't be able to always follow along, especially if I did poorly on the quiz (despite studying), which was often the case.


44.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
great. I really enjoyed this course and the teacher
It is hard. Students should expect this and go in with an open mind. It takes a lot of work but the material provided is relevant and useful in preparing for exams/quizzes/job interviews.
The course was difficult, but taught a lot of things
Tough, unsurprisingly. Good though. Sorry my GPA! : (
Hands down the most difficult yet rewarding class IĆ¢??ve ever taken.
the material is overwhelmingly plentiful. Majority of the learning is outside the classroom which is more like a hybrid/online class than a face2face. Class time is spent trying to reinforce the reading/screencast we assume we understand. This style of teaching didn't resonate with me and I feel I struggled more than I should have with the material.
I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemies. I don't see how anyone could be proud of completing this death march.
The concepts taught in this course is very difficult. I would recommend to Nodari to maybe provide or create an outline on how to create a proof. Work on how to write algorithms more.
Overall this course was OK and challenging. My problem is I known the algorithms and what it's doing, but I can't make a connection from how you could modify these algorithm to solve a different problem. I think that sometime within the lesson or course, this course should make sure to point out these connections and teach the relations and deeper meanings behind the algorithm like what is the point of doing it and how is it useful in other cases. For example, what is the purpose of getting the maximum flow and how could finding the min-cut return something useful.
That it was a very challenging and engaging course that provided a lot of information and I believe if you fully understand everything taught in this class, you could go far because the way it makes you think very logically.
As difficult as the course was, I would have to admit that I actually learned quite a lot of concepts that I'm sure will come up in the future.
Hard to say. I liked the class, but it caused me much misery. I'm interested in the course material, and had fun reading the book once I got the hang of it, but the homework problems / quizzes / exams were all very hard, and it often felt that answering many of the questions correctly was ultimately luck-based, so studying would only help up to a certain point. It was painful doing poorly on an assignment or quiz or exam despite studying and preparing a lot. I feel like I've gotten better at problem solving, though, and my logical thought process has been sharpened.
course is rather hard if you do not know what you are doing. definitely a do able course if you put enough time into it.


45.   Other comments:
there's a LOT of content to cover
Thank you for the semester. This course is tough and you recognize that. You help as much as you can. This shows and is appreciated.
I believe that some formal encouragement and structuring of study groups outside of the published office hours would go a long way in connecting students on different schedules. Maybe something like... on the first or second day have the whole class access a shared google spreadsheet with a weekly/hourly calendar layout. The students write in their names and contact info if they are interested in meeting up. I think that strong bonds could be formed among the students, if there was a specific time in the first/second class when they made face-to-face contact with others. Maybe after they put their names down, on the days of the week, they could move to specific tables in the room, so they could actively share their availability. I think another location for the TA office hours could also be helpful. The ICS space is convenient, but it's often not the best study environment... at times, like a frat house without the booze and nudity. I think that it's important to have a place for ICS students to hang out, but when the office hours are held there, it's easy to get off track.
It's really sad that the university risks the future of students with this ripoff course.
I think it would be nice to provided more resources for students, such as a study guides so students have a better understanding on how to prepare for examinations, what concepts to focus on.
Even though the course is not enjoyable. I enjoyed working with the TAs and the instructor.
Make sure both TA's have access to the homework answer key before sending them in to answer questions about the homework during office hours. On more than one occasion, a TA gave misleading information regarding the solution to a problem, and I was penalized for following their direction. Also, please emphasize the most important parts of each topic, the lecture notes seem to cover a lot of stuff that we didn't need, but is left on for completeness.