The evaluation of courses, modules or whole programmes is a key way of gathering information on the quality of a student’s experience of their education.

These activities usually take the form of questionnaires handed to students during lectures or can be completed online: the quality of the questions can vary between an institution’s departments and even within them as these surveys may not be standardised.

This formal feedback should be used in conjunction with working with students' representatives and should inform the development of curricula.

Tools

Self-reflection task and record matrix.

Case studies

Anglia Ruskin University SU: quality management process

This example provides a useful framework for a way of collating and triangulating data from a range of sources. A similar system could be used to support the interpretation of course evaluation feedback.

Northumbria University: assessment for learning

The ‘Assessment for Learning’ centre for excellence in teaching and learning at Northumbria University uses innovative ways to engage students in developing and promoting materials.

University of Manchester, CEEBL: students as partners

The student intern programme at the University of Manchester’s Centre for Excellence in Enquiry-Based Learning (CEEBL) provides a great example of how individual students can be a bridge between current students and staff in the enhancement of the learning experience.

University of Bath and University of Cambridge: module evaluation

This example demonstrates the way in which students can be positively involved in the process of design and implementation of surveying and where novel ideas can be used to gather meaningful feedback from students on their academic experience.