Measuring rapport in course evaluations

A five-part framework for quality officers and programme directors who want to measure professor-student rapport in course evaluations. It draws on the Professor-Student Rapport Scale studies and related work on classroom connectedness. Use it when designing an instrument or deciding how to report rapport alongside items on clarity and organisation. In Koji, rapport items and open questions are reported as their own charts and themes rather than merged into one score.

What's in this framework

1. Measure rapport on its own: It predicts motivation, perceived learning and participation, and in one study final course grades.
2. Report it as a separate dimension: Rapport can lift other ratings through a halo effect, so keep it out of a single overall score.
3. Use it formatively first: The six-item brief scale was suggested for formative use. Mid-semester checks give lecturers time to act.
4. Be careful in high-stakes use: Perceived similarity helps rapport form, so scores may differ by lecturer or student characteristics.
5. Ask about classmates too: Rapport with classmates also shapes connectedness, which matters in large or online courses.