Rylan Simpson, Ph.D. Police Officer Perception Project (POPP)






Rylan Simpson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
School of Criminology
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 1S6

rylan_simpson@sfu.ca
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Student Evaluations (Teaching Assistant)

The following questions were scored on seven-point scales, with higher values indicating greater agreement/satisfaction. All point values represent median scores.

• Research Methods (Fall 2014) - Instructor: Dr. Terry Dalton - 225 students.
• Police and Change (Winter 2015) - Instructor: Dr. Daniel Yates - 168 students.
• Crime and Public Policy (Spring 2015) - Instructor: Dr. Michael Gottfredson - 100 students.
• Issues in Policing (Winter 2018) - Instructor: Dr. Daniel Yates - 250 students.


What was your TA’s overall teaching effectiveness?
Research Methods6 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy6 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average6 (out of 7)

TA was competent in course material.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

TA’s presentations/lectures and explanations were clear.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

TA was approachable for help and receptive to students.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

TA was prepared for discussion sections/meetings with students.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

TA was present and on time for discussion sections/office hours.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

Discussion sections/office hours were useful to the success of the course.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

TA gave constructive and effective feedback to students.
Research Methods7 (out of 7)
Policing and Change6 (out of 7)
Crime and Public Policy7 (out of 7)
Issues in Policing7 (out of 7)
Average7 (out of 7)

Student Testimonials

The following comments are quoted directly from students' anonymous evaluations.

• “His openness and geniality are de finitely very helpful. I personally do not struggle with this, but know and empathize with those who do: faculty and TAs can often be very intimidating due to their position. Simple things that Rylan did can be very disarming, such as greeting one with a smile and asking how one is doing, or being very enthusiastic, engaged, and receptive when asked a question. Some TAs seem like they were dragged in there at the barrel of a gun, and conversations with them can be a trainwreck. Rylan was the absolute opposite, and his demeanor is excellent for a person in his position. He was also very knowledgeable and there wasn't a time when it seemed that he didn't fully answer the question one asked him. His professional experience is a veritable boon; it is not often that academics have such a diverse set of experiences both in the eld and in academia. In sum, his demeanor and knowledge were both very impressive and de nitely contributed to my involvement in this course and I highly commend him.”

• “I think he did a great job. His presentation was very informative and well presented. I think he would make an awesome instructor. Great Job!”

• “During his office hours he is extremely approachable. His examples that he provided me gave me a better understanding on the subject. He also provided a lot of advice on how to study the material effectively. Discussing the readings and topics with him was always beneficial as he is able to connect them to real world events or situations that have happened.”

• “The TA was a very good presenter, he did such an incredible job when he lectured in front of the class. He was loud, clear, and excited about his topic.”

• “He was very interested in what I had to say. Most TA’s just want their office hours to be over and leave or they answer any questions very straightforward without showing interest or expanding to other course material. I liked how Rylan kept the conversation going and it definitely helped me understand the material more with real life examples that he provided.”

• “He was very helpful and was easily approachable. Also he was willing to help at any time so that helped me during the course. Fully explained himself with great detail.”

• “He was always ready to help students and answer any questions we may have. He was very approachable and friendly and very clear on what was expected in the class.”



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