uci eee evaluationssites.uci.edu/sacks/files/2015/11/sacks_evals_teaching_sum.pdf · summer session...

Enclosed are student evaluations from three courses where I was the instructorof record:

1. Intermediate Economics II (ECON 100B).

2. Probability and Statstics in Economics II (ECON 15B).

3. Game Theory (ECON 116A).

I also have TA evaluations available upon request for both graduate coursesand undergraduate courses. I have included evaluations for two undergraduatecourses and one graduate course:

4. Intermediate Economics III (ECON 100C).

5. Industrial Organization (ECON 142A).

6. Advanced (graduate) Microeconomic Theory I (ECON 210A).

Summary Data (median/mode out of 9 points):

As instructor, max of 9Clarity Overall (Instructor) Overall (Course)

ECON 100B 9/9 9/9 8/9ECON 15B 8/9 9/9 9/9ECON 116A 9/9 9/9 9/9

As teaching assistant, max of 7Competence Clarity E↵ectiveness

ECON 100C 7/7 7/7 7/7ECON 142A 6/7 7/7 6/7ECON 210A 7/7 7/7 6/7

1

UCI EEE Evaluations

Summer Session Instructor and Course Evaluation for Sacks, Michael DavidECON 100B LEC B (62180), Summer II 2013

Responses: 36/68 (52.94%)

Please mark the appropriate rating.If you have no opinion on the question asked or if it does not apply, please mark “Not Applicable.”

1. The course instructor shows enthusiasm for and is interested in the subject.21 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

9 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

3 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2

0 1 (Barely Satisfactory) Value: 1

0 0 (Unsatisfactory) Value: 0

0 Not Applicable No Value

8.37 Mean9.00 Median0.93 Std Dev

2. The course instructor stimulates your interest in the subject.18 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

3 8 Value: 8

9 7 Value: 7

4 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





3. The course instructor meets stated objectives of the course.22 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

3 8 Value: 8

7 7 Value: 7

4 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





4. The course instructor is accessible and responsive.

09/18/2013 Page 1 of 7

UCI EEE EvaluationsSummer Session Instructor and Course Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 100B LEC B (62180), Summer II 2013

22 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

4 8 Value: 8

6 7 Value: 7

3 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





5. The course instructor creates an open and fair learning environment.20 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

8 8 Value: 8

4 7 Value: 7

3 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





6. The course instructor encourages students to think in this course.22 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

7 8 Value: 8

5 7 Value: 7

2 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





7. The course instructor’s presentations and explanations of concepts were clear.

09/18/2013 Page 2 of 7



6 8 Value: 8

5 7 Value: 7

3 6 (Good) Value: 6

1 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





8. Assignments and exams covered important aspects of the course.20 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

9 8 Value: 8

4 7 Value: 7

3 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





9. What overall evaluation would you give this instructor?21 9 (Excellent) Value: 9

7 8 Value: 8

5 7 Value: 7

3 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





10. What overall evaluation would you give this course?

09/18/2013 Page 3 of 7



9 8 Value: 8

6 7 Value: 7

4 6 (Good) Value: 6

2 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





11. How helpful were the textbooks and/or readings to your overall learning experience?Very

5Adequately

6Somewhat

15Not at all

1No comment

9

12. How challenging was this course?Very

9Adequately

23Somewhat

3Not at all

0No comment

1

Please comment on the following areas and be as specific as possible.

13. What are the instructor’s teaching strengths?

• Clear explanations and strong examples.• Clear in explaining concepts through examples instead of just by definition. Detailed notes

were helpful for studying later.• Explanations are in-depth and simple. The assignments really get you ready for the exam

because they really make you think. They also make sure that you understand the conceptrather than just copying the examples from the notes.

• Gives clear explanations. Goes through examples to help us better understand the materialsand concepts.

• goes step by step in explaining material.• Great examples. Great idea not using powerpoints, but writing your notes on the board.• he’s great• He’s very enthusiastic and he gives students a chance to think & ask questions. Know what

he is talking about and provide good examples.• He always came to class prepared and displayed his knowledge of the topic whenever students

would throw conceptual or applied questions in his direction, very rarely did he hesitate toanswer a question, and the few times he did he was still able to recover and answer e↵ectively

• he explains everything thoroughly.• He gives so many examples that really helps the students learn and prepare for the exams.• He is very clear and emphasizes important topics in the course.• He shows enthusiasm in his teaching and takes in student criticism which is really helpful.• he was able to provide examples throughout class that would help me better understand the

topics being covered

09/18/2013 Page 4 of 7


• His clear and concise notes were really helpful throughout the course. In addition, yourenthusiasm throughout the summer has been refreshing in comparison to many other professorsthis summer. Thank you.

• His teachings• lecturing• Presents concepts well, responds to students, takes what students have to say seriously and

makes adjustments to help us learn.• Provides a lot of examples and shows enthusiasm for the course.• Very good at explaining concepts and making sure that students understand• Very open and welcoming. He was helpful and accessible. His teaching methods made it easier

for a student to submerse themselves in the subject.• Very thorough and clear lectures that stress the importance of each topic• Very understanding and excited to teach.• Well prepared.• 12 blank answer(s).

14. How can this instructor improve as a teacher?

• By outing lectures or notes online for students to access.• Challenge the students with harder examples.• go over homework examples and make longer breaks.• he’s great• He could improve his lecturing techniques by teaching the content first, then applying complete

examples afterwards. Some days it would be confusing when he would go back and forthbetween lecturing and continuing an example he began 5-10 minutes before.

• he could provide harder examples in class to help us better understand the material• His jokes weren’t that funny but more seriously I found that he was one of the better economic

teachers at UCI.• Homework examples are not the same as the examples he usually go over in class. The

homework problems are much harder and it feels like he did not go over how to do them.• Just be a little slower in regards to lectures• Make his notes more accessible since it is the only resource.• n/a• n/a• n/a• N/A• N/a• N/A!• None.• notes at times were a bit long and hard to pay attention.• Provide more sample test• Some stu↵ towards the end of the session felt very rushed• Use powerpoints or some other organized way of presenting notes. However, writing for 3

hours might be why this was a problem. In a di↵erent setting, the hand written notes wouldhelp in learning. But because this course was 3 hours, it was di�cult to remain engaged whilecopying copious notes for 3 hours straight.

09/18/2013 Page 5 of 7


• 15 blank answer(s).

15. Any other comments about this course?

• great course and great professor• great job!• great professor that encouraged and stimulated my love for economics• n/a• n/a• n/a• n/a• no• No, I really did enjoy taking this class.• None.• Overall he was a great teacher and I definitely look forward to taking another class with him.• Practice exams are extremely helpful• Thank your for teaching this summer!• The TA is terrible. He couldn’t answer questions that were asked so I eventually stopped

going.• 22 blank answer(s).

16. How much academic dishonesty seemed to occur in this course? If applicable, please describe the typeof academic dishonesty that occurred (not the particular students involved).

1.A lot

1Some

1A little

1None I could discern

31

2. Examples:• 36 blank answer(s).

17. What school do you normally attend?33 UCI0 Other UC Campus2 Other College or University0 Community College1 UCI Extension0 High School0 Not Applicable

18. What is the PRIMARY reason you enrolled in Summer Session?24 To accelerate progress toward my degree7 To enroll in a course impacted during Fall, Winter or Spring5 To retake a course0 For personal development or professional enrichment

19. What is your preference for the time of day to take Summer classes?3 Early morning

10 Late morning19 Early afternoon3 Late afternoon0 Evening1 No preference

09/18/2013 Page 6 of 7


20. What is your preference for the frequency of meetings for a Summer class?0 5 times/week2 4 times/week

14 3 times/week18 2 times/week1 Once a week1 No preference

21. How did you find out about UCI Summer Session?8 Academic Advisor3 Summer Session Banner0 Summer Session Booth on Ring Road1 Summer Session Facebook0 Summer Session Flyer

10 Summer Session Website4 Campus Email0 Placement Testing Brochure9 Word of mouth

22. What courses would you like to see o↵ered in the Summer here at UCI?

• any and all• economic courses• Economic courses and Math courses• Economy courses that don’t conflict with each others times due to discussions and such.• More Economic Class.• n/a• n/a• N/A• 28 blank answer(s).

23. UCI Summer Session seeks to create meaningful new Summer Special Programs (a set of courses outsideof the regular academic curriculum). What Program would you like to see o↵ered in the Summer hereat UCI?

• Cosmetology, beginning graphic design classes• Economic Programs• I’m not sure.• n/a• N/A• n/a• not sure• 29 blank answer(s).

09/18/2013 Page 7 of 7

UCI EEE Evaluations

Summer Session Instructor and Course Evaluation for Sacks, Michael DavidECON 15B LEC B (62060), Summer II 2014

Responses: 22/55 (40%)



5 8 Value: 8

1 7 Value: 7

0 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






4 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

4 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






5 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






09/24/2014 Page 1 of 7



4 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

2 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






2 8 Value: 8

0 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






5 8 Value: 8

3 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






09/24/2014 Page 2 of 7



8 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

0 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

1 2 Value: 2






8 8 Value: 8

3 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






7 8 Value: 8

1 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






09/24/2014 Page 3 of 7



4 8 Value: 8

3 7 Value: 7

2 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

1 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





11. How helpful were the textbooks and/or readings to your overall learning experience?4 Very3 Adequately6 Somewhat2 Not at all6 No comment

12. How challenging was this course?4 Very

11 Adequately5 Somewhat0 Not at all1 No comment



• An excellent instructor. He went over every work, was not needing the book. The best part,he lectured what was on the exam.

• Breaks material down very well• Clear and detailed explanation of all course concepts. Plenty of examples. Gave students

opportunities to work together and ask lots of questions.• Clear speaker, I can tell you really care about your students. excellent professor• defining then going into an example• excited about the course• Good at explaining concepts clearly and providing examples to reinforce learning.• Good explanation and vast knowledge on the subject.• I really enjoyed the teaching style of Micheal. He had his presentations well planned out before

lecture. He presented the material in a well structured format that was very easy to follow.The use of di↵erent colored markets also make it very helpful when taking notes. He was opento questions and made sure that he answered students questions adequately before continuingwith the lecture. So his presentation and explanations of the concepts were very clear. He alsoencouraged student participation by asking questions and sometimes o↵ering extra credit. Theway of taking attendance was very unique and helped with the reinforcement of the material.He was also very accessible either after class and in o�ce hours. He was also very responsiveto emails. The homework was fair and a great way to prepare for the exams. Even though thehomework was lengthy it helped to understand the material. And it’s understandable since

09/24/2014 Page 4 of 7


it’s a summer course we had little time to cover all the material. The exams were also very faireven though they were a bit time consuming. Overall, I think Micheal did an extraordinaryjob teaching this course. More professors should use his teaching style. It would make learningso much easier.

• The instructor explains all of the concepts very thoroughly and uses examples very well toreinforce the material.

• Very organized and well written notes• 11 blank answer(s).


• keep breaks so students can get that short break to move to get the bloodflow again. do moreexamples if not in class, then online examples

• Marker selection; just let the dying ones go lol• My one complaint is that you talk a little fast and don’t give me enough time to keep up with

your notes. I feel like I am always scrambling to write down what you write and then I don’tlisten to what you are lecturing. Take it a little slower

• n/a• n/a• teach more directly. examples in class did not reflect homework & midterm• The instructor can maybe provide more handouts, worksheets, or some notes that reinforce

the ideas taught in class.• The instructor could find a way to do less writing I would say. Sometimes when learning new

and/or di�cult subjects, I like to watch and listen to the professor teach so that I can clearlyhear and see what he/she is doing. If I have to write a lot or copy what the professor is doingon the board then I loose that focus and might not get the concept as good as I could if I did’thave to copy so many things.



• excellent experience.• Great course! I sure understood the material in this course a lot better than in Econ 15A.• n/a• no• Overall, the course and the instructor was very good.• 17 blank answer(s).


1.0 A lot0 Some1 A little

15 None I could discern2. Examples:


09/24/2014 Page 5 of 7




19. What is your preference for the time of day to take Summer classes?3 Early morning

11 Late morning5 Early afternoon0 Late afternoon1 Evening1 No preference

20. What is your preference for the frequency of meetings for a Summer class?1 5 times/week2 4 times/week4 3 times/week

14 2 times/week0 Once a week0 No preference

21. How did you find out about UCI Summer Session?3 Academic Advisor5 Summer Session Banner0 Summer Session Booth on Ring Road0 Summer Session Facebook0 Summer Session Flyer5 Summer Session Website1 Campus Email0 Placement Testing Brochure7 Word of mouth


• All courses.• all of the upper divs.• Business Econ• Earth System Science• gaming• 17 blank answer(s).


09/24/2014 Page 6 of 7


• music and film.• n/a• Social startup events• 19 blank answer(s).

09/24/2014 Page 7 of 7

UCI EEE Evaluations

Summer Session Instructor and Course Evaluation for Sacks, Michael DavidECON 116A LEC A (62210), Summer II 2015

Responses: 13/34 (38.24%)



1 8 Value: 8

0 7 Value: 7

0 6 (Good) Value: 6

1 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






2 8 Value: 8

1 7 Value: 7

0 6 (Good) Value: 6

1 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






4 8 Value: 8

0 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






09/16/2015 Page 1 of 6

UCI EEE EvaluationsSummer Session Instructor and Course Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 116A LEC A (62210), Summer II 2015


2 8 Value: 8

1 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






2 8 Value: 8

0 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






2 8 Value: 8

0 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






09/16/2015 Page 2 of 6



2 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

0 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






1 8 Value: 8

3 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






2 8 Value: 8

2 7 Value: 7

0 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2






09/16/2015 Page 3 of 6



1 8 Value: 8

1 7 Value: 7

1 6 (Good) Value: 6

0 5 Value: 5

0 4 Value: 4

0 3 (Fair) Value: 3

0 2 Value: 2





11. How helpful were the textbooks and/or readings to your overall learning experience?2 Very2 Adequately5 Somewhat0 Not at all3 No comment

12. How challenging was this course?7 Very2 Adequately2 Somewhat0 Not at all1 No comment



• All parts• engaging, knowledgeable, and able to communicate e↵ectively• Explains everything thoroughly and cleanly.• game theory examples and concepts• He gives lectures in a proper length, and always keeps us a minimum of 10-minute break.

During whole class time, we’ve learnt a lot since he was so energetic to introduce the theory,which really gave us intuition.

• He transmits his enthusiasm for the subject to his students this allows us to open up andparticipate more than we would normally.

• Loves his job• 6 blank answer(s).


• develop more interesting environment when explaining the concepts and terms.• further refine his craft and learn how to simplify and conceptualize more but this might have

been due to how brief a summer session is and how dense the material actually is.• His attendance sheets should be more planned out; write the question on the board or if

possible printed out as a worksheet. This way students could attempt the problems for about10 minutes then the class would go over the work and it would be turned in and returned.Another thing is when doing the group review its a good idea to jump in but not take over

09/16/2015 Page 4 of 6


the board completely. If you are going to have students present again make sure to just guidethe student to the correct result.

• More interreactions• N/A• Reply the email for our questions.• Stay same - very good job!• 6 blank answer(s).


• It is so great.• It was enjoyable.• It would be better if we have been given more real life example, which I mean, the examples

that can be seen more frequently in our real life.• No• 9 blank answer(s).


1.2 A lot0 Some1 A little7 None I could discern

2. Examples:• 13 blank answer(s).



19. What is your preference for the time of day to take Summer classes?1 Early morning4 Late morning5 Early afternoon2 Late afternoon0 Evening0 No preference

09/16/2015 Page 5 of 6


20. What is your preference for the frequency of meetings for a Summer class?1 5 times/week1 4 times/week1 3 times/week8 2 times/week1 Once a week0 No preference

21. How did you find out about UCI Summer Session?2 Academic Advisor1 Summer Session Banner0 Summer Session Booth on Ring Road0 Summer Session Facebook1 Summer Session Flyer3 Summer Session Website2 Campus Email0 Placement Testing Brochure3 Word of mouth


• Central Banking, Currency• Econ 123cw• Quantitative finance course• Stats 120B and 120C. Bring back math 77 series (iCAMP).• 9 blank answer(s).


• Internship abroad!• No• probably something culturally enriching... not a class, but something, where the school itself

acts as an area to know its students body. Everyday could be a di↵erent area and give peoplean opportunity to teach others about their life journey/traditions.

• Visiting program• 9 blank answer(s).

09/16/2015 Page 6 of 6

UCI EEE Evaluations

Social Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 100C DIS B1(62211), Spring Qtr 2012

ATTENDANCE

1. How often did you attend discussion sections?Never

0Once

02 - 3 times

04 - 5 times

06 - 7 times

28 times

3

More than 8 times16

2. How often did you meet with the T.A., outside of the section time, to discuss the course material?Never

7Once

22 - 3 times

44 - 5 times

46 - 7 times

18 times

1

More than 8 times2

PRESENTATION

3. T.A. was competent in course material:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

64

7 (Among Best)16

4. T.A. was able to make presentations clearly:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

67

7 (Among Best)13

5. T.A. was responsive to students:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

65

7 (Among Best)15

6. T.A. was able to integrate the lecture and discussion material:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

64

7 (Among Best)16

06/21/2012 Page 1 of 3

UCI EEE EvaluationsSocial Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 100C DIS B1 (62211), Spring Qtr 2012

7. T.A. was present and on time for discussion sections/o�ce hours:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

64

7 (Among Best)16

8. The discussion sections were useful to the success of the course:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

65

7 (Among Best)14

9. I would expect another course with this T.A. to be:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

020

30

4 (OK or Average)0

51

65

7 (Among Best)15

EFFECTIVENESS

10. Rate your T.A.’s general teaching e↵ectiveness:Poor

0Inadequate

0Less than adequate

0Adequate

1

More than adequate1

Very good6

Excellent13

COMMENTS

11. <No question text>

1. What were the strongest points of the TA in discussion section or o�ce hours?• He always gets to the main point of lectures, homework.• He can explain almost everything clearly to class. He is definitely one of the best TA in

the econ. department. I think he teaches better than Professor Sarraf. (No o↵ense) ˆ˜ˆ• Michael is a great TA. One of the best I’ve had. He could teach this class.• Michael is really good at elaborating lecture topics to further students’ understanding of

the material. He is also very responsive to questions.• Responsible to his students and provides great review materials• The TA is always really responsive to the students and is always willing to hold addi-

tional o�ce hours. Really wants students to understand the material and always providesmultiple ways of solving a problem, which is incredibly helpful.

• This TA is without a doubt one of the best TA’s in the entire Economics department. Tobe quite frank, every other professor or TA has been sub par up to this point. I trulybelieve this TA should already be a professor, as he clearly has passion for the subject andfor helping students. I cannot express how much this TA has helped me in understandingthe material.

06/21/2012 Page 2 of 3

UCI EEE EvaluationsSocial Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 100C DIS B1 (62211), Spring Qtr 2012

• Understood the material in lecture and further explained every detail of the course thatcould not be covered in lecture.

• Very clear, very succinct. Doesn’t beat around the bush. Among one of the most helpfulTAs I’ve ever encountered.

• VEry clear and well thought !• Very good at explaining concepts, extremely helpful when the book was unclear• 10 blank answer(s).

2. Do you have any recommendations for your TA that would help that person be a more e↵ectiveTA in the future?• Great TA!• I don’t think he needs improve. I hope you will make the final easier because I am not a

good test taker.• I think the prove of the equations are unnecessary.• I would tell this TA to keep doing what he is doing. He has done more than practically

any other TA I have had in my time at UCI.• Keep doing what you’re doing.• Keep up the good work! One of the best TAs I’ve had so far.• Keep up the good work! You have been extremely helpful!• Keep up the good work.• none• 12 blank answer(s).

06/21/2012 Page 3 of 3

UCI EEE Evaluations

Social Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 142A DIS A3(62323), Fall Qtr 2012

Responses: 18/32 (56.25%)

ATTENDANCE

1. How often did you attend discussion sections?Never

1Once

12 - 3 times

04 - 5 times

36 - 7 times

48 times

2

More than 8 times7

2. How often did you meet with the T.A., outside of the section time, to discuss the course material?Never

12Once

12 - 3 times

34 - 5 times

16 - 7 times

08 times

0

More than 8 times1

PRESENTATION

3. T.A. was competent in course material:0 (N/A or Unsure)

11 (Among Worst)

021

31

4 (OK or Average)1

51

65

7 (Among Best)8

4. T.A. was able to make presentations clearly:0 (N/A or Unsure)

11 (Among Worst)

021

31

4 (OK or Average)1

54

61

7 (Among Best)9

5. T.A. was responsive to students:0 (N/A or Unsure)

11 (Among Worst)

021

31

4 (OK or Average)1

52

63

7 (Among Best)9

6. T.A. was able to integrate the lecture and discussion material:0 (N/A or Unsure)

11 (Among Worst)

021

31

4 (OK or Average)2

50

65

7 (Among Best)8

12/20/2012 Page 1 of 3

UCI EEE EvaluationsSocial Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 142A DIS A3 (62323), Fall Qtr 2012

7. T.A. was present and on time for discussion sections/o�ce hours:0 (N/A or Unsure)

31 (Among Worst)

021

30

4 (OK or Average)1

52

62

7 (Among Best)9

8. The discussion sections were useful to the success of the course:0 (N/A or Unsure)

11 (Among Worst)

022

30

4 (OK or Average)2

51

62

7 (Among Best)10

9. I would expect another course with this T.A. to be:0 (N/A or Unsure)

01 (Among Worst)

022

30

4 (OK or Average)1

51

64

7 (Among Best)10

EFFECTIVENESS

10. Rate your T.A.’s general teaching e↵ectiveness:Poor

0Inadequate

0Less than adequate

2Adequate

0

More than adequate3

Very good5

Excellent7

COMMENTS


1. What were the strongest points of the TA in discussion section or o�ce hours?• good examples to teach class concepts• He has a great knowledge of the subject and was able to explain the concepts clearly. He

was able to give straight answer for any questions. He also encouraged the students toparticipate in the class more.

• Michael definitely knew his stu↵ very well and made things very clear.• Mr. Sacks shows much knowledge in the subject, and he is able to clearify the materials

that were taught in class. He is very helpful in making me understand the materials muchbetter.

• TA was clear and concise in his explanations.• You are amazing. You really taught me more in discussions about the material than I

could’ve learned in lectures. You are honestly the best TA I’ve ever had and better thanmajority of my professors. You’re really clear at explaining and know your material well.You also have a humorous side which is always a plus learning economics. =) Thank youso much.


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UCI EEE EvaluationsSocial Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 142A DIS A3 (62323), Fall Qtr 2012

2. Do you have any recommendations for your TA that would help that person be a more e↵ectiveTA in the future?• He’s doing a good job.• maybe work on speaking a little• NOTHING! Stay the way you are I wish you were me TA for all my classes I would ace

them all!• 15 blank answer(s).

12/20/2012 Page 3 of 3

UCI EEE Evaluations

Social Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 210A SEM A(62620), Fall Qtr 2014

Responses: 24/30 (80%)

ATTENDANCE

1. How often did you attend discussion sections?0 Never0 Once1 2 - 3 times1 4 - 5 times0 6 - 7 times1 8 times

20 More than 8 times

2. How often did you meet with the T.A., outside of the section time, to discuss the course material?6 Never4 Once8 2 - 3 times4 4 - 5 times1 6 - 7 times0 8 times1 More than 8 times

PRESENTATION

3. T.A. was competent in course material:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 30 4 (OK or Average)1 52 6

21 7 (Among Best)

4. T.A. was able to make presentations clearly:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 31 4 (OK or Average)4 53 6

16 7 (Among Best)

5. T.A. was responsive to students:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 30 4 (OK or Average)2 55 6

17 7 (Among Best)

03/17/2015 Page 1 of 4

UCI EEE EvaluationsSocial Sciences TA Evaluation for Sacks, Michael David ECON 210A SEM A (62620), Fall Qtr 2014

6. T.A. was able to integrate the lecture and discussion material:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 30 4 (OK or Average)1 59 6

14 7 (Among Best)

7. T.A. was present and on time for discussion sections/o�ce hours:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 30 4 (OK or Average)0 54 6

20 7 (Among Best)

8. The discussion sections were useful to the success of the course:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 31 4 (OK or Average)4 57 6

12 7 (Among Best)

9. I would expect another course with this T.A. to be:0 0 (N/A or Unsure)0 1 (Among Worst)0 20 30 4 (OK or Average)3 56 6

15 7 (Among Best)

EFFECTIVENESS

10. Rate your T.A.’s general teaching e↵ectiveness:0 Poor0 Inadequate0 Less than adequate0 Adequate3 More than adequate

10 Very good11 Excellent

COMMENTS


1. What were the strongest points of the TA in discussion section or o�ce hours?

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• Discussions served as helpful complements to course material, and at times were conduciveto a much deeper understanding of the course material. During o�ce hours, Michael wasa very e↵ective communicator of sometimes challenging material, making more rigorousproblems and concepts seem easier to understand.

• Excellent understanding of the material and a strong ability to communicate e↵ectively.Always willing to dedicate time to students who are struggling with the material. Patientwith those who do not understand. Excellent time management skills. Able to bring inrelevant material from outside the course. Provides good, understandable examples. Truepassion for economics that he is willing to share with others.

• He gives additional examples and theories on the subject discussed during lectures.• He has clear knowledge and was very helpful.• Help students to consider materials and cover the unclear point of course.• I liked the extra material not covered in lecture.• In o�ce hours, Michael is very willing to help go through homework problems and/or

concepts from lecture. He’s open to set up extra meetings and extend o�ce hours. Overall,really accessible to students. Also responds to emails really quickly. The strongest pointsof the discussion section were that they provided some technical details that were nicecomplements to the lecture, and ultimately helped with the problem sets.

• Knew the material inside and out, conveyed things in a way that could be understood.• Michael always comes to discussions prepared, picks out points in the lectures to give

more insight and intuition behind things to help with students’ understanding, is willingto spend a lot of time with students, listens to questions and is very patient in answeringthem, has excellent and clear handwriting, and goes at a good pace so people don’t get lostor left behind. Michael is very personable and approachable and he doesn’t make studentsfeel stupid for asking questions. He is enthusiastic and makes it enjoyable to learn.

• Michael always discussed very relevant things to course material and homework in dis-cussion sections and it was clear that he put lots of e↵ort into each and every discussionsection in terms of organization and time management, both of which were excellent. Inhis o�ce hours we would go above and beyond to makes sure that everybody understoodhis explanations and would often extend his o�ce hours for as long as was necessary toensure that all of our questions were answered.

• Michael is extremely knowledgable about this course. He was a great translator for thelecture notes when they got a bit jumbled in class. Discussion sections were always rele-vant and helpful for solving problem sets and understanding the course material. DuringMichael’s o�ce hours, he was always prepared, on topic, and e↵ective in answer questionsor clarifying notes.

• Organization, clear board management and writing skills.• Providing helpful material to assist with assignments / exams• Very organized, covers not just on concepts but techniques as well• Very patient and willing to go back to the basics to explain the motivations behind the

problems which was important for students with no background in the subject matter• Very professional. Understands the material very well.• You seem to know everything!!! You are amazing!• 7 blank answer(s).

2. Do you have any recommendations for your TA that would help that person be a more e↵ectiveTA in the future?• Everything was on point.• I can’t think of any. This is how TA’ing should be done!• If you can speak slower in the discussion you will be even better!!!

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• My only recommendation would be to have discussion section notes written for those whomissed the discussion and wanted to get notes. He conducts discussion well but does nothave a paper copy of what he covered.

• n/a• Please don’t go ahead of the professor. You are an excellent instructor, but it makes things

confusing to go out of order.• Sometimes doing more problems in discussion rather than lecturing.• Thank you for all the hard work! Extremely useful sections and discussions during o�ce

hours.• The e↵ectiveness of the TA depends per course. Flexibility would be much appreciated in

the next quarter since each week would carry with it di↵erent di�culties.• The first discussion section, I think a lot of us were thrown o↵ by your style, in that you

were going to provide some technical details that were in the background of lecture. Thishas turned about to be really helpful, but it would definitely help to talk about that duringthe first discussion section, just so we know better what to expect.


03/17/2015 Page 4 of 4

uci eee evaluationssites.uci.edu/sacks/files/2015/11/sacks_evals_teaching_sum.pdf · summer session...

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