Three Words That Improve Teaching Evaluations: A Constrained Creativity Random Word Exercise Increases Subject Interest, Self-Reported Learning, and Perceived Instructor Effectiveness.

Virtual · October 2025

Poster · Teaching of Psychological Science

Ofer Meilich
CSUSM
Emmeline De Pillis
University of La Verne

Abstract

We examined the effect of a constrained creativity random word exercise (RWE) in a required capstone course taught by the same instructor 2008-2024. 516 students in RWE sections reported statistically higher subject interest, learning, and instructor effectiveness compared to1365 students in non-RWE sections. Self-reported learning did not decrease during COVID.

Studying and Learning

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Three Words That Improve Teaching Evaluations: A Constrained Creativity Random Word Exercise Increases Subject Interest, Self-Reported Learning, and Perceived Instructor Effectiveness.

Abstract

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