Using self-evaluations to explore HBCU social work statistics students’ perceptions of academic preparation and performance

Evaluation is an essential component in social work education. Student evaluations are a useful method to assess student and instructor performance. The study aimed to examine the perceptions of social work students’ views on their preparation and performance in a social work statistics course. The study consisted of 113 social work students admitted to the Bachelor of Social Work program at a small Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in a rural community. In this study, a quantitative, descriptive research design was used along with a self-administered student evaluation, and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to describe and analyze social work students’ perceptions of their performance and preparation. The results concluded the majority of students (72%) did not meet with their instructor to seek assistance outside of the classroom setting. Approximately, 80% of the students also reported not attending academic tutoring services, however, 58% indicated the need for improvement in their grades.To conclude, despite the reservations which have been expressed about student evaluation, the findings of the study demonstrated that student evaluations can be used as an effective method to provide essential feedback to instructors.