Validating the modified System for Evaluation of Teaching Qualities: a teaching quality assessment instrument

We assessed the validity of the modified System for Evaluation of Teaching Qualities (mSETQ) in evaluating clinical teachers in Bahrain. Background Clinical teacher assessment tools are essential for improving teaching quality. The mSETQ is a teaching quality measurement tool, and demonstrating the validity of this tool could provide a stronger evidence base for the utilization of this questionnaire for assessing medical teachers in Bahrain. Approach This study assessed the construct validity of this questionnaire in medical schools across Bahrain using 400 medical students and 149 clinical teachers. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The goodness-of-fit index (GFI), comparative fit index (CFI), root mean square residual, and standardized root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) indices were used to evaluate the model fit. The internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results The results of the CFA revealed an acceptable fit. All criteria for a good model fit were met except for the RMSEA fit index and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) value, which was very close to an acceptable value. Good overall reliability was found in the study (α=0.94). Conclusion The overall findings of this study provided some evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the mSETQ instrument.