Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research

About OTEAR

As a reporting unit within University Academic Affairs, the Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (OTEAR) supports teaching evaluation, assessment and program review. OTEAR also engages in research to enhance evidence-based decision making across the university. Our work is driven by collaborations with partners across the institution, best practices around assessment, and continuous improvement. 

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Photo of 116 College Avenue

Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research
Rutgers University
116 College Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Upcoming Workshops

To view all of our available sessions, please visit our Workshops and Training page.

Assessment of Learning 101 (Virtual Interactive Workshop)

Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 12:00pm-1:30pm This workshop explores the fundamentals of academic assessment, including program learning outcomes, course learning goals, and both direct and indirect assessment techniques. We will examine the crucial role of rubrics within the assessment process and discuss how assessment strategies can effectively inform course design. The workshop will also address best…

Introduction to Learning Analytics April Cohort

April 7-21, 2025 The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors is an asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. A digital badge can be earned through…

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Round Table: Assessment of Instruction and Course Design (Virtual Presentation and Discussion)

Friday April 11, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is the assessment of learning and teaching with the goal of improving instruction and student success where faculty are researching their teaching and engaging in continuous improvement. This meeting of the SoTL Round Table will create a space to hear about SoTL work…

Areas of Focus


Teaching Evaluation

According to the Guidelines for Teaching Evaluation, each department should develop a teaching evaluation process which may include peer review of teaching, review of student feedback, and review of information from a teaching portfolio. OTEAR provides workshops and consultations to support departments and instructors in collecting and presenting this information.

Improving the Evaluation of Teaching


Assessment

OTEAR supports University Academic Affairs’ commitment to continuous improvement by facilitating university assessment processes, reviewing new program assessment plans, consulting on program assessment and grant assessments, and sharing best practices for assessment methods related to learning outcomes.

Assessment Resources


Learning Analytics

Learning analytics aims to support and improve the learning of students. By evaluating, diagnosing, and providing appropriate scaffolds, instructors and units can improve courses and programs, and help students achieve their learning goals. OTEAR provides opportunities for instructors, departments, and schools to consider and use learning analytics for continuous improvement.

Using Learning Analytics

Announcements

OTEAR on Mastodon

  • on March 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    SIRS (Blue) System Maintenance, May 26th – 30th, 2025 https://otear.rutgers.edu/sirs-blue-system-maintenance-may-26th-30th-2025/

  • on March 5, 2025 at 7:35 pm

    Beyond the Numbers: How Directors and Chairs Interpret Student Feedback to Equitably Evaluate Teaching https://otear.rutgers.edu/beyond-the-numbers-how-directors-and-chairs-interpret-student-feedback-to-equitably-evaluate-teaching/

  • on February 26, 2025 at 8:37 pm

    Fall 2024 SIRS results available now https://otear.rutgers.edu/fall-2024-sirs-results-available-now/

  • on January 9, 2025 at 6:54 pm

    OTEAR’s Spring 2025 lineup of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment workshops is now available! View the full list of offerings and register here: https://otear.rutgers.edu/otear-workshops-for-spring-2025/

  • on January 6, 2025 at 6:32 pm

    SIRS – Spring 2025 https://otear.rutgers.edu/sirs-spring-2025/