USE Results and Reports
Reporting
The USE Student Feedback Report summarising the statistical analysis of the numerical student ratings is initially returned to the unit of study coordinator, along with the questionnaires containing the students' comments explaining these ratings. The online reports are accessed by the unit of study coordinators directly through the ITL web site using an individual access code. After the surveys have been analysed by the ITL an email is sent to the Unit of Study Coordinator explaining how to access the online report. The survey forms are posted to the Unit of Study Coordinator. Full details of ITL procedures for returning USE reports to Unit of Study Coordinators and copies of the statistical data to Heads of School and Deans are available at ITL Requirements for USE surveys.
[See a sample USE Student Feedback report]
As well as the statistical report, the unit of study coordinator can also access and download a web based USE Summary template. This is used by Unit of Study Coordinators to summarise and integrate the student ratings, the student comments, data from peer review and self-reflection as well as to note relevant contextual factors. The USE Summary template concludes with space for recommendations for changes based on the integrated data. The completed template provides a record of issues identified, and actions arising from, the evaluation. The template might be completed by the unit of study co-ordinator, then printed out and attached to the USE student feedback report as a summary for Heads of Department. The USE system can also combine the numerical data from all the units of study to generate summary statistical reports for departments, schools or the faculty.
This reporting process is designed to support Unit of Study Coordinators, Heads of Department and Faculties in fulfilling the reporting requirements of the Academic Board resolution with the ultimate aim of improving student learning.
[See a sample USE Summary Template]
Responding to the USE results
The 8 standard items of the USE ask about important aspects of the student experience of teaching and learning. Effective efforts to address the issues identified in the survey should be reflected in improvements in the quality of student learning. Such outcomes should also be reflected in improved ratings on other measures of the quality of the student experience such as the SCEQ factor scales and the University's teaching performance indicators in general.
Staff of the Institute for Teaching and Learning are available to support unit of study coordinators in interpreting the results of their Unit of Study evaluations and in planning improvements on the basis of the results.
As well as student feedback, The Academic Board Resolution notes that Unit of Study Coordinators should consider feedback from other sources and their own insights as teachers. The USE Template allows such feedback to be incorporated and considered in documenting the quality of Units of Study and planning any improvements.
Through the Evaluation and Quality Assurance (EQA) Working Group the ITL works with faculties to support staff in those faculties in making the best use of such evaluation data. If there is a particular issue staff would like their faculty to address they are encouraged to contact their faculty representative on the EQA Working Group to discuss this.
