Evaluation of Courses by Whole Student Cohorts: a case study

Abstract

In a climate of unprecedented change in higher education (HE), accurate and immediate course feedback information is vital to the management of institutions, in assisting the development of course material relevant to present student needs. Student contribution to qualitative course evaluation is commonplace although use of relatively small representative groups of students is usual. However, with class sizes increasing — between 100 and 200 is now common — the ability to acquire accurate qualitative evaluation, representatively, is a major issue. This paper describes a methodology providing opportunity for whole cohort groups of students to be involved simultaneously in the generation of feedback. It considers the effectiveness of student consultation meetings as a collection method, the utility of the results in the course development process, how the issues raised and discussed compare with matters included on a university‐wide questionnaire, and whether participating students feel inhibited in discussing matters so publicly.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne M. Powell

ANNE M POWELL is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth.

Adrian Hunt

DR. ADRIAN HUNT is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth.

Ann Irving

ANN IRVING is a Programme Area Director in the Faculty of Science, and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth.