Student feedback

Departmental response to the Student Satisfaction Survey

The Student Satisfaction Survey responses have noted an overall satisfaction average equal to that of the faculty. Some sections achieved an average mark below the faculty average, whilst others scored higher, notably assessment and feedback and learning resources. These marks reflect the work carried out during the year to review and standardise assessment and feedback procedures within the two courses, so it suggests that these changes resulted in an increase in student satisfaction for those topics.

Compared to the previous year’s responses, several sections scored lower marks, notably for the teaching of the degree and degree content, though even learning resources dropped in its score compared to the previous year whilst still greatly exceeding the faculty average. Whilst some marks were lower than the previous year, it is noted than the percentage agreement marks ranged from 69% to 87%, with an average of 78%, indicating a significant level of student satisfaction.

A review of individual student comments in the free text section indicated 29 positive comments and 23 negative ones, 13 of which related specifically to this department. The only issue that was raised more than once related to the assignment deadlines, which were stated on three occasions as being “too close together” or “stacked”. The assignment deadline timetable is reviewed each year, but for the following academic year greater efforts will be made to ensure that, wherever possible, all assignments are spread over the weeks as much as possible. The timetable of assignment deadlines is presented to students at the start of the academic year, together with the titles, so that students can plan their workload throughout the year and adjust their priorities accordingly.

With a doubling of student numbers and the first appearance of many Home students in the Year 0 course in this survey period, it is difficult to draw any conclusions from this slight drop in scores. However, these figures have been passed to the teaching and administrative staff for the Bridging Year, Year 0 and Certificate of Higher Education and discussed with them to encourage an ongoing review of best practice.

Departmental response to the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey

In the PTES survey for this year (which replaced the previous Student Satisfaction Survey) there were only 3 respondents, so the results were not statistically meaningful. (NB The overall satisfaction was 100% for all sections). For the following academic year, greater efforts will be made to ensure that students take part in this survey and voice their opinions.

Departmental response to the Student Assessment of Modules and Teaching (SAMT)

The results of the SAMT surveys are carefully considered each year by the Module and Course Leaders. For a detailed report please follow the link for each course:

Bridging Year/Year Zero
Certificate of Higher Education
Graduate Diplomas
MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Skills Centre (undergraduate credit-bearing modules)

Last modified on 19 September 2011