THE INFLUENCE OF LECTURER PERSONALITY TRAITS ON STUDENTS’ SUFO RATINGS IN UITM

Abstract

Student Feedback Online (SUFO) ratings remain a significant system of measurement for teaching quality at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), yet they may reflect factors outside of instructional effectiveness. This study examines how lecturers’ personality traits influence students’ SUFO ratings and whether detected effects are mediated by teaching behaviours and classroom environment. Data was collected through a structured online questionnaire developed in Google Forms, focusing on perceived lecturer personality traits and examining the influence of these traits on student evaluations. Open-ended questions were also designed to gain insights and allow students to elaborate on factors influencing their SUFO ratings. The survey was administered using simple random sampling to undergraduate students. Findings show that student ratings are overwhelmingly positive across all six indicators (enthusiasm, confidence, friendliness/approachability, calm/composed demeanour, organisation, and expressive/engaging communication). Other than that, findings also show clear acknowledgement that lecturer personality affects SUFO ratings with most students indicating personality matters and many concede they tend to give higher ratings to lecturers they like. It can be concluded that SUFO ratings appear to capture both instructional quality and personality-driven impressions. Findings from this study may be used to chart future directions in research on lecturer’s personality as well as providing important pointers for the lecturers to improve themselves to be more approachable and likeable in the classroom.