Hello.
Our institution uses the student survey system, but we instructors are constantly prompted by administration to work one-on-one with students as much as possible. In one course, one class is devoted to “student-instructor interviews.” Those interviews are graded – full credit for the interview. I really feel this concept should be used in all classes. We instructors can implement that concept.
How do you define the best last experience, Kenji? Is it different for each student, depending on their interests or aspirations?
What's a reality check survey? What sorts of questions are asked?
What type of issues will this group deal with? How much influence or authority will they have?
Is this a long standing procedure? If the school is just starting the process, it may have to be reactionary, putting out the fires, before it is possible to develop a long term plan?
If not, what has to be done to change the paradigm and begin to develop a long term view?
What's the format for the feedback to the students? Is it a summary of the survey results? Do they get any information about what is being done to address the issues they identified?
New students are sent a "reality check" survey several weeks into their first rotation to see if there are any areas of concern. Advisors meet and/or correspond with their advisees at least two times, if not more, during each rotation.
Sounds like an overwhelming data dump. Do you have any activities to lighten the day and give students an opportunity to get to know each other? Are the incoming students smiling and excited when they leave? If not, I would urge you to review the agenda.
That's pretty scary. Is this because everyone is oblivious to the issue or they don't share what's going on in different departments?
Every department work very hard toiward to retention, as externship coordinator, I work to provide the best last experience with the school
We have several approaches, from individual faculty/class assessments every three weeks, to curricular satisfaction surveys, to a global national promotor score which is a survey with a single question - "Would you recommend your friends and family attend this school?"
It sounds like the students are already expanding your current survey to include institutional issues. Are you able to share these results with the appropriate people who can address the issues?
Are the surveys part of the instructor's evaluation? If so, what's the impact of non-related negative responses?
How often do students use the suggestion/comment procedure? What issues do they address? Who's responsible for responding to the entries?
Our students are given the opportunity to fill out surveys twice a year to get their feedback. Our instructors also have quarterly evaluations by their Program Director. Feedback is given back to students as well as to instructors. The student surveys give Administration the opportunity to see where we need to improve overall and then they set a plan into action.
At this time, we have no real or enduring feedback loop. So far, my college makes short-term reactionary decisions to student concerns rather than strategic long-term decisions.
We are now in the process of creating a student government of elected student leaders. This is something the students have wanted for years. By creating such a body of student leaders and faculty and staff facilitators, we are attempting to bridge the gap in communication we discern on our campus. The communication breakdown contributes to our retention issues.
Dr. John E. Heckman
our school has a very robust in house survey and utilizes several out sourced surveys as well. We also actively encourage meetings with advisors and are currently organizing a student union of sorts.
Beyond the usual student surveys,each of our instructors attempts to meet at least once a week with each students for a weekly assesment. the purpose is twofold, first to give the student an idea where they are at in class performance wise. Second, to get feedback from the student concerning the course.
I have found that by creating a forum for student feedback opens a door for an ongoing discussion about expectations and satisfaction.
We have an intensive orientation that is mandatory that all students attend. We cover everything from admissions, dress code, homework, attendance policies, student services, financial aid, career services and grading scales. Students are given an opportunity to ask questions. All Program Directors, DOE and someone from each department is represented.
You tell me because in all honesty I have no idea.
