Instructional Quality of Adjuncts Versus Full-time Faculty

This case study examined the differences in ratings on faculty evaluations between part-time faculty and full-time faculty in a graduate education program at a private college in New Jersey. Both part-time and full-time faculty were evaluated by students on several different variables, including clarity of learning objectives; relating activities to course objectives; clarity of grading criteria; preparation level of the instructor; instructor’s tolerance for diverse points of view; whether the course is challenging enough; availability of the instructor outside of class; whether the instructor generally cares about students; appropriate choice of readings; grading and returning work in a timely, constructive manner; whether grades reflect a fair evaluation by the instructor; effective use of e-mail; effective use of films/videos/DVDs; effective use of slides, PowerPoint, transparencies and/or overheads; effective use of Blackboard. The results of the study might surprise you!