As you've undoubtedly noticed, many other schools do too, Anthony. How do you use the results of these evaluations to improve your performance?
We try to make sure outside reps are true to our courses, too many times we found students being told something exaggerated
In order to gauge our students' expectations and satisfaction, we ask them to complete online surveys at the end of each cycle, as well as online student satisfaction surveys throughout the year.
My institution uses 20 multiple choice questions that cover not only individual instruction but also the training aids, shop equipment and the quality of the curriculum. There is also a section where students can type in their own comments. These evaluations are given every 3 weeks.
Our instructors must smooth out student expectations in order to retain them. Many times this involves dispelling the "myth" that they'll be spending 80% of their time in the lab.
The institution I work for communicates changes to all areas of the school. The admissions team gets training from the instructors on what the focus of the curriculum is. This practice helps us sell the right product to the right person. Student surveys and open dialog between student and faculty help check for satisfaction.
We have in place end of course evaluations on a 1-5 scale and an opportunity for the students to type in comments.
These assemblies were held years ago and then sort of went by the wayside. They will now be a quarterly event which will be mandatory for all to attend. The Campus Director/President has set the tone for the content and along with the management team will direct the flow.
I see this as a great touch point to keep the focus on the goal for all both staff and students.
Bonita, are the results made public? Is there some sort of chart showing the responses over time so that you can track your progress?
Joseph, tell me more about the school assemblies. Are they scheduled and publicized in advance? Held during class time? Is attendance required? Who coordinates the content?
During each term students are given the opportunity to do surveys. The surveys gage satisfaction with various departments such as, academics, tuition assistance, book store, LRC, ASC and the registrar.
We encourage an open dialogue with the students and communicate the message that their success is our primary goal. We use end of course surveys as a tool to gauge success or for areas of opportunity to improve retention and student satisfaction. We have recently started to have more regular school assemblies if you will, touch point sessions with the entire student body to ensure that they understand the we are in this together. We have let them know in and informative and caring setting that it is students and staff against the standards in the reach for their success. A win for all.
We are open and honest from the very beginning through the admissions process. Every cycle the students are encouraged to complete an on-line survey which allows them to evaluate the course and the instructor. We get the results right after each term so we can use this feedback to constantly grow and develop ourselves professionally. This is a great opportunity to adjust classroom delivery as well. We can quickly see what the students prefer and what they do not. I also share my experience with them as much as possible to help them better understand the nature of the industry they are about to enter.
Rejandra, how do you explain this trend? Is there anything that can be done before the students start to improve the situation?
Linda, how does the interaction between upperclassmen and entering students work? How are they matched up and is there a mechanism for the upperclassmen to report back about issues they may uncover? Is there any training involved?
These activities are a good complement to the school's general marketing message and practices. It sounds like your admissions people are on board with the messaging too.
The younger students we are getting don't believe they have to follow the rules. This has become an issue for us. As a result if these student feel they are being picked on have a tendency to drop from the program.
We conduct chef instructor surveys at the end of each module and the students get the opportunity to grade us. This is very helpful to know which areas of improvement we have
Our school makes sure the student understands the commitment needed for our program. The program is fast paced and builds upon each phase. We help the students get organized with their notebooks on the first day of class. We go over the syllabus and the class schedule the first day of class. We dismiss the upperclassmen fifteen minutes early the first week of school to be able to find out how the freshmen are doing and if they have any concerns or questions.
One way our school has met the student's expectations is to set realistic and obtianable ones from the start.Showing the student around the campus during orientation, allowing students to speak to other students and instructors and seeing the facilities gives the student more reasonable expectations. Another way this is adressed is through building better relationships with your students, so they are more at ease to speak honestly about potential short comings of any kind.
