This semester sees the first university-wide implementation of the Student Feedback on Modules system following a pilot project involving over 7000 students and over 200 modules in the last academic year. The online survey gives students a chance to provide feedback on their modules and staff the opportunity to benefit from their comments.

The Process

Seven core questions will be automatically set up for all modules. A small number of modules are not included in the feedback process. These include those with fewer than five students, research modules, clinical placements, and fieldtrip only modules etc. A full list of exemptions can be found in the Guide to Survey Set Up.

The survey process will commence with survey set-up from 3rd to 15th November giving module coordinators the opportunity to customise their module survey by adding up to six additional questions to the standard seven questions, with an overall maximum of thirteen questions.

If the module coordinator does not wish to add customised questions then they do not need to take any action during survey set-up.

Students can access their surveys at www.ucd.ie/survey. Each survey will also contain a link to the relevant module descriptor. The process will be entirely anonymous, and feedback cannot be traced back to individual students. The surveys will be open to students from 18th November to 31st December 2010.

To ensure the full potential of this initiative is realised all staff should encourage their students to complete the brief questionnaire. Each module coordinator can observe the completion rate for their own modules in real time in the Module Feedback Survey Channel via the Teaching & Learning Connect tab so will be aware of when students need to be prompted.

A report will be automatically generated and made available to module coordinators online, only after results have been issued to students. Results from the first five core questions will be shared with the Head of School, while qualitative student comments and results from any optional questions added will remain confidential to the module coordinator.  

Module feedback should be used by module coordinators and the Heads of Schools to enhance and further develop modules. Responding appropriately to feedback is a key element of an academic’s professionalism (Eraut, 2004). Knowing how many, or the extent of changes to implement is a concern, as is implementing unnecessary changes because of the need to appear responsive to student views (Arthur, 2009). UCD Teaching and Learning has developed a resource Student Feedback Responding Constructively  with advice on dealing with student feedback. Academic staff are also encouraged to contact UCD Teaching and Learning  for support with any aspect of their teaching practice.   

Endorsed by the Students' Union, a university-wide communications campaign “Have Your Say” will be launched as the surveys open. 

• Students will receive an email explaining the feedback process and inviting them to complete a brief survey for each module.
• Posters and display screen announcements will be placed in buildings across the campus.
• Announcements will also appear on Blackboard, UCD Connect and Facebook.
• Class Reps will be briefed and the Students' Union will carry key information on their website.  Reminder emails will be sent to students throughout the process. 
• FAQs for students will be available on the Current Students website. Students who require further information can email modulefeedback@ucd.ie. 

Module coordinators received an email on 3rd November informing them that the system is open for survey question set-up and drawing their attention to a number of supports available:

• Survey Process
• Guide to Survey Set Up
• Student Feedback on Modules Reports in Easy Steps
• Student Feedback Responding Constructively

Open information sessions for academic staff on using the feedback system will be held on Monday 8th November at 4pm in Th R, Newman and on Tuesday 9th November at 1pm in Room B004, Health Sciences.

For more information visit the Staff Frequently Asked Questions Page. Or contact modulefeedback@ucd.ie