Feedback on assessment
The release of the 2008 National Student Survey (NSS) results once again highlights feedback on assessment as a key concern for students. Regardless of institution, background or course, students were significantly less satisfied about the feedback that they received than their overall learning experience. NUS has also conducted more detailed research as part of our Student Experience Report, which identifies how long it takes for students to receive feedback and how it useful it was for improving their learning.
Similar levels of dissatisfaction arose in all of the three previous National Student Surveys, showing that the issue is pervasive across the sector. The problem is not simply confined to undergraduates, research, by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), shows postgraduates share similar experiences too.
The NUS Feedback Amnesty has been a major programme of work running throughout 2008. Using focus groups, student networks, websites and summer training sessions, it has explored the opinions and experiences of current students around feedback mechanisms. We have used our findings to compile a briefing on the issue and to identify ten principles on which good practice of feedback should be based. We have also published a campaign tool kit to aid you to campaign for change on this issue.
HE Focus
We are very excited to launch the very first edition of HE Focus. This quarterly publication will focus on one education issue at a time and include contributions from students' unions, institutions and wider educational bodies. It should provide a wide variety of perspectives and ideas and be a valuable source of exploration and debate. Following on from our successful work on the NUS Feedback Amnesty, this issue will look into the issue of feedback on assessment.
Campaign Resources
The Great NUS Feedback Amnesty Briefing Paper
NUS Information
NUS Student Experience Report - feedback on assessment
Education Information: Feedback on Assessment NSS results
Further Information
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