Impact of student ratings on basic science portion of the medical school curriculum

Student opinion questionnaires used by the Office of Research in Medical Education (ORME) at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) as one source of evaluating the curriculum established in 1970 revealed widespread dissatisfaction with many of the courses. Concern over student dissatisfaction and poor performance on both internal and external measures of achievement led to the inauguration of student ratings. With the aid of the ORME in developing questionnaires, interpreting sources of student difficulty, and providing consultation to course directors and faculty, most of the faculty eventually accepted the ratings. As a result, improvements in instruction and evaluation were brought about which increased student satisfaction with courses and improved scores on internal, statewide, and national examinations.