National Student Survey
Examining the NSS scores for ASBS in relation to the different analyses carries out by Bell and Brooks (2017) and Sutherland et al (2018) we identify 6 areas that we believe should be focussed on to increase scores is ASBS in the futire while at the same time improving students' learning. This dual focus on satisfaction plus learning enhancement is made explicit as it is obviously possible to improve scores in the NSS while reducing the quality of education: for example by lowering the pass marks for a course.
The NSS has 26 items spread across 8 category areas (teaching, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and management, learning resources, learning community, and student voice).
There are 6 broad areas we would suggest should be focussed on in order to respond to NSS results:
Course organisation and management:
Have clear guidance about everything possible so that students know that you are thinking about them and that you are organised, prepared and professional.
The strongest driver for satisfaction in the survey for Business School students is perceptions of course organisation. By this we do not mean the administrative organisation of the course, but rather whether academic staff appear organised, whether they appear to be well-prepared for classes, know what they are doing when they get there, lectures, tutorials and assignments link together and requirements are clear to all.
The perceived quality of teaching:
This relates to the above point.
Clarity of assessment requirements
See principle 1. It is not about delivering documents to students, it is about helping them to understand what is required. For example: giving examples before beginning a task and asking them to discuss,
A clear approach to feedback
This is the new campaign. What is and how it works. Simple strategies. See our student leaflet [link when produced]
Authentic assessment tasks
This relates to the above point.
Creating opportunities for productive peer and teacher dialogue in class.
This can be done without it creating a lot of work. Very simple strategies like two stage discussion [link] where students first work alone and then in groups can be very effective. This is key to students feeling part of a community and is absolutely critical.