Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of the teaching quality of faculty members of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, using a localized tool to identify strengths and weaknesses and provide an evidence-based basis for improving educational processes.
Method: The research was conducted with a mixed exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, the data-driven theory method was used at the conceptual level, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 students until data saturation was reached. An evaluation framework was developed including 5 factors, 16 criteria, and 70 indicators. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made instrument (in the form of a scale based on a framework of developed criteria and indicators) was administered to 410 students, with a content validity index of 0.98 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88, based on this framework. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: the overall state of teaching quality to be "relatively unfavorable" (M=5/03 out of 10). A key imbalance was observed: only the "Professor-related personal factor" (M=6.81) was rated "relatively favorable," indicating faculty competence. In contrast, other factors -Educational (M=5/32), Communicational (M=5/11), and Student-related (M=4/63)- were rated unfavorably. The "Structural factor," with the lowest mean (M=3/28), was the most significant weakness, indicating serious challenges.
Conclusions: It is concluded that competent professors operate in a weak structural and policy context. Improving quality requires a dual approach that simultaneously focuses on developing the pedagogical skills of professors as well as fundamental reforms in faculty infrastructure.