Closing the loop on student evaluations

It is generally agreed that good teaching is dependent on the nature of the learning goals and the quality of the environment in which learning takes place1,2. If this is the case, then planned as opposed to unplanned variations in learning experiences are the hallmark of good teaching. This raises a complex set of relations between assuring and improving teaching within an institution. The essential question for a University is: how do we assure that learning is maximised in all given contexts?

Benchmarking the use of student feedback was identified as a priority project at the ATN annual conference in February 2002. This paper presents a number of issues arising from a study of practices across the ATN in relation to collecting, analysing and using student feedback. The project involved working with those responsible for teaching and learning improvements at the operational level to identify strategies for a systematic approach to the use of student feedback for improving communication of actions arising from results.

The framework for the inquiry involved an exploration of student feedback systems as they operate for different cohorts of students, differing measures (or constructs), and at different levels within institutional structures. The framework also explored the various tracking and reporting systems by which results generated from student feedback systems at each level were utilised to develop strategies for improving teaching and learning. Findings from the study were used to inform recommendations in relation to internal practices within each University, as well as initiatives for benchmarking student evaluation results across universities within the ATN network.