The feasibility of using W. E. Deming's total quality management (TQM) method to define instructional quality was examined by surveying three groups of students attending Idaho State University's College of Education and School of Applied Technology: 31 students seeking cosmetology certification; 75 undergraduates pursuing degrees in corporate training and vocational teacher education; and 25 students seeking master's degrees in occupational training management. Data were collected through a modified Delphi technique and the Q-Sort method. Regardless of their academic level, all students appeared to consider interpersonal skills more important than teaching skills. Among all three groups, interpersonal skills were considered a high priority in teaching environments. The greatest differences in ranking of the top 10 teaching qualities and the top 10 interpersonal qualities occurred between the certification-seeking students and the master's degree students. The following rankings were said to be especially surprising: humor, 29.0; returns assignments in a timely manner, 32.0; has a professional appearance, 32.33; and starts/ends classes on time, 33.0. The following were among the study recommendations: teaching methodology classes should pay more attention to interpersonal skills; the study should be replicated in other similar institutions; and future studies should include students seeking two-year degrees. (Three sample questionnaires are included.) (MN)