Getting the most from the evaluation process
Subject coordinators can do a great deal to encourage student participation in subject evaluations:
- Build discussion of the importance of student feedback into the subject and seek a range of forms of feedback.
- Explain to students how feedback is used to improve the subject and to monitor quality across the university.
- Where appropriate give students an opportunity to complete the survey during final classes with PC, laptop or mobile access.
- Include in Subject Outline information about previous feedback and how you have responded to it.
Subject coordinators will get improved feedback if:
- Subjects are designed according to the demonstrated principles of effective teaching that underpin the SES items.
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- Clear learning outcomes aligned to assessment tasks and learning experiences.
- Engaging learning experiences: Assessment tasks and supportive learning activities assist learning.
- Opportunity for collaborative learning experiences.
- Currency of knowledge and skills development.
- Leaning enhanced by technology.
- Timely and useful feedback provided.
- Students develop the ability to judge the quality of their own work against standards.
- Visible connection of subject and course(s).
- Appropriate Workloads (CSU Subject Workload requirements 140-160 hours for all activities per 8 points).
- If they articulate clearly to students the rationale for the design decisions (e.g. how subject relates to course(s); how educational technology will be used in the subject; what criteria and standards will be used to judge assessments)
- Ensure casual staff understand the design of the subject including assignment requirements (use of moderation practices and marking rubrics can assist in consistency of feedback).