Hearing and engaging with the student voice - the challenges

How? - Various forms of student representation in a range of fora

• Course reps• School reps• Programme committees• Staff student liaison groups at school and

University level• Student Union representation on School and

University Committees

How? – Undergraduate student surveys

• National Student Survey ( NSS) -final year• Undergraduate students (not covered by NSS)

years 1&2• Student barometer - survey of home and

international students• Module review

How? – Postgraduate student surveys

• Postgraduate research experience (PRES)• Postgraduate taught experience (PTES)• Student barometer - survey of home and

international students• Module review

And the rest!!!

• Other programme/School/service questionnaires

• Student’s Union surveys• And probably others…………………….

Probable result

• Student survey overload!!!!• Falling response rates !!!

But we are responding to issues raised in these surveys

You said- we did, some examples• quicker and better assessment feedback• students receiving feedback on exams • teaching and exam timetables out sooner

And tackling the emerging issues

Recognising different target groups, related logistical issues and focusing on:

• Prioritisation • Scheduling• Marketing and incentives• Distribution of questionnaires and following up

on those who do not respond• Analysis and dissemination• Relevance

External recognition

“Feedback on assessment is a crucial issue for students, and the work Northumbria has done is an excellent example of how students' unions and their institutions can work together to improve learning and teaching for all"

Hannah Pudner| Student Feedback Co-ordinator Education and Quality TeamNational Union of Students (NUS)

And moving forward?

• How can we enhance strategies for collecting student views?