011 nss pre session

NSSNSS

some thoughts The NSS is an independent survey asking students to rate the quality of their Higher Education experience.

The main purpose of the NSS is to help prospective students, their families and advisors to make study choices. Participating institutions and students' unions (associations or guilds) also use the data to improve the student learning experience.

some thoughts Since its inception, the NSS has highlighted where institutions do well and not so well. For example, in 2005, at a national level 'assessment and feedback' scores were relatively low. As a direct result of what students have said in the NSS, action has been taken at institutional and faculty level to address this and scores in this area have improved significantly over time.

The NSS, which I was cynical about at first, has caused big improvements in my department and Faculty, especially where course teams have been ignoring what students really want to push their own interests.

Of course this has not been without pain, lots of it, much of it mine, but I now see it as a genuine tool to improve standards for students.

After all, what real motivator was there before?

Dr Howard.... no wait a minute 27 September, 2012

some thoughts

some thoughts The NSS results are more of a popularity contest and not actually related to what students NEED to learn and develop. If you are a University with high achieving students who coast while for their degree and hand out 2.1s and above like confetti, you do well and can crow about it on your website.

Dr Howard.... no wait a minute 27 September, 2012

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=421262

some thoughts If you challenge students, make them work hard, make them work in cross-cultural/interdisciplinary groups (which stands them in good stead for their professional lives) you get a slightly lower score or in some cases a good kicking by your students because they are stressed and overworked - a bit like their life as a professional graduate trainee but the money is better!

These are the same students who then go on to get great jobs and are targeted by the big employers.

some facts

Students have the option of responding:

• Definitely agree• Mostly agree• Neither agree nor disagree• Mostly disagree• Definitely disagree• Not applicable

• 1. Staff are good at explaining things.

The teaching on my course

• 1. Staff are good at explaining things.• !

2013 NSS results

The teaching on my course

• 2. Staff have made the subject interesting.• What have we brought to the conversation? • Have you had a moment…..?

2013 NSS results

The teaching on my course

• 3. Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching.

• Consider the big G!

2013 NSS results

The teaching on my course

• 4. The course is intellectually stimulating. • Have you been challenged…..?

2013 NSS results

Assessment and feedback

• 5. The criteria used in marking have been clear in advance.

• Briefings have clarified this and feedback has been positive.

2013 NSS results

Assessment and feedback

• 6. Assessment arrangements and marking have been fair.

• The group has presented positive feedback around this issue - handing in dates, delivering and collecting work has followed guidelines.

2013 NSS results

Assessment and feedback

• 7. Feedback on my work has been prompt.• The team have delivered feedback within the

required 2 week period set out by NUA.

2013 NSS results

Assessment and feedback

• 8. I have received detailed comments on my work.

• Feedback - written tutorials formspost it use in workshopsbibliography of an object verbal conversations in studiogroup seminars

2013 NSS results

Assessment and feedback

• 9. Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand.

• Have you moved an idea on? • Moving from A to …….

2013 NSS results

Academic support

• 10. I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies.

• Where have you come from?• Where are you going?

2013 NSS results

Academic support

• 11. I have been able to contact staff when I needed to.

• Email• Office moving

2013 NSS results

Academic support

• 12. Good advice was available when I needed to make study choices.

• Richard Peat• Critical Studies Tutor

2013 NSS results

Organisation and management

• 13. The timetable works efficiently as far as my activities are concerned.

• ?

2013 NSS results

Organisation and management

• 14. Any changes in the course or teaching have been communicated effectively.

• Specifically noted within course committee• Email

2013 NSS results

Organisation and management

• 15. The course is well organised and is running smoothly.

• Clarity – unit briefings • Spaces • Joined up thinking – ideas

2013 NSS results

Learning resources

• 16. The library resources and services are good enough for my needs.

• Books, DVD, Journals • Access times • etc etc

2013 NSS results

Learning resources

• 17. I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to.

• Access times of rooms • Number of spaces • Computers and Wi-fi in studios

2013 NSS results

Learning resources

• 18. I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities, or rooms when I needed to.

• Extended workshop times• Availability within lunch

2013 NSS results

Personal development

• 19. The course has helped me to present myself with confidence.

• Presentations• Group work – talking ideas• Pecha Kucha

2013 NSS results

Personal development

• 20. My communication skills have improved. • Writing workshops (statements etc)• Critical writing sessions• PowerPoint skill workshops• Blog support

2013 NSS results

Personal development

• 21. As a result of the course, I feel confident in tackling unfamiliar problems.

• Collaborative project• Problem solving• Lateral thinking

2013 NSS results

Personal development

• 22. Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course.

• ?

2013 NSS results

type NSS in Google

You will need

• To know which university to are at• If you want to take the survey in Welsh • Your student i.d. number

perception

• What place did you attend?• Used as a measure by employers.

• Consider the circular nature of the system.