Classroom Communication: The Influence of Instructor Self-disclosure on Student Evaluations

Abstract

This study examines the influence of aspects of naturally occurring instructor self-disclosure (intent, amount, positiveness, depth, and honesty) on students’ evaluations of their current instructor. Female college students (N = 333) completed measures of their evaluation of their instructor and perceptions of the instructor's self-disclosure in the classroom. The findings partially replicate those from a study of hypothetical instructor self-disclosure (Sorensen, Communication Education, 38, 259–276, 1989) in that instructor self-disclosure that was perceived to be more honest, positive, and intentional was associated with more positive evaluations of the instructor. The disclosure-liking hypothesis which predicts that greater amounts of instructor self-disclosure would be positively associated with evaluations was not supported. These results may serve as a guideline for instructors’ classroom communication about themselves.

Keywords:

• Self-disclosure
• Evaluations
• Instructors

The authors thank Jody Morrison for her assistance with data collection.

Notes

1. The instructor evaluation scale does measure specific aspects of students’ opinions of instructors, such as credibility and expertise. Yet, exploratory factor analyses suggested that the scale was best used as a unidimensional instrument in this study.

2. The courses represented a broad range of the communication field, including courses in interpersonal communication, organizational communication, rhetoric, and media studies.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pamela J. Lannutti

Pamela J. Lannutti (PhD, University of Georgia) is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA (Tel: [phone]; Email: [email protected])

Elena C. Strauman

Elena C. Strauman (PhD, University of South Florida) is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, College of Charleston, 66 George St., Charleston, SC 29424, USA (Tel: [phone]; Email: [email protected])