italki Help | Help / Teachers Ratings

Introduction

Why should ratings and feedback be left?

Providing ratings helps other members of the italki community properly evaluate teachers when considering who to choose for a tutoring session. When rating a teacher, consider the impact that your comments and rating will have on the reputation of the teacher: be fair and objective.

How are teacher ratings calculated?

Ratings are calculated based upon 3 factors: the professionalism, knowledge, and helpfulness of the teacher as scored by the student. To reward teachers who have taught more sessions and received consistently high scores, we use a Bayesian Average in our calculations. In addition, we show an overall score, and the score for the past month and past 3 months to let the italki community see the rating trend.

When can ratings and feedback be left?

The "leave feedback" link appears after the student and the teacher both confirm that the session has taken place. Both parties will then have 60 days to leave feedback for each other.

Is it possible to get feedback removed or ratings reset?

italki does not normally allow feedback to be removed or reset in order to maintain the integrity of the feedback system and to ensure the policy is implemented consistently. All feedback is final and cannot be changed once posted." Only if the feedback violated our Terms of Services will italki consider removing feedback.

Further explanations on ratings

Professional - Objective rating, not concerning language or teaching skill. Did the teacher do what she said she would do?

Available when advertised
Never cancels without adequate warning
Gives full time to the student
Is prepared for lesson

Knowledgeable - Objective measure, relating to teacher's expertise. Does the teacher know what she is talking about?

Knows the language
Does not give wrong answers
Accurate pronunciation, grammar, etc.
Able to help in all areas advertised

Helpful - Subjective measure, based on students experience. Was the lesson helpful to you?

Did you learn?
Was the teacher attentive your needs?
Are you making progress?
Does the teacher tailor lesson for you?
Would you like to be taught from the same teacher again?

	Professional	Knowledgeable	Helpful
Boring / Distant Teacher Teacher is professional and smart, but does not listen to the student's needs. Student thinks teacher is qualified, but doesn't get much out of the lesson.	Yes	Yes	No
Amateur Teacher Teacher is not a professional teacher. He does his best, but doesn't know grammar rules, etc. Helpful, but limited.	Yes	No	Yes
Unreliable Teacher Teacher is good, but cancels often, doesn't always show up, is too busy, doesn't always live up to commitments.	No	Yes	Yes