Not my words but the words of Dennis Hayes who, in his personal capacity, recently wrote an article for Times Educational Supplement FE Focus titled “Don’t ask for an opinion”. The article, which almost made me choke on my lunch when I read it, sitting opposite Dennis at a Conference last week, is a lengthy explanation about why “Student evaluations are entirely worthless”.

There is a summary of the article and an online poll asking Are Student Evaluations Worthless? at www.tes.co.uk

Please take a moment to register your vote! On the same page there is a link to the FE staffroom where an online debate will be taking place on this issue. I would urge anyone who disagrees as I and NUS do, with the view that the voice is students is not worth listening to, to respond and have your say.

Whilst the article is specifically relating to colleges, the views expressed go completely against ideals behind students’ unions across the education sector and the National Union of Students. NUS believes that student involvement and representation is a vital ingredient in a successful and high-quality learning and skills education sector. Student representation not only improves a students educational experience but it is educational in itself because it gives students a sense of ownership and embeds the notion that time and effort is also required on the part of the learner.

I know I’m probably preaching to the converted so I won’t rant on but PLEASE VOTE!

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