NSS Results 2010/11
The academic year 2010/11 saw the seventh National Student Survey.
The highest scores again this year are for questions covering teaching on our courses. The overall satisfaction rate was up slightly by 1% on the previous year to 86%.
Methodology
Students’ responses are collected using the Likert response scale (from strongly disagree to strongly agree), with these responses being converted to a numeric value between 1 (strongly disagree) and 5 (strongly agree). An average is then taken to give the responses detailed below.
A ‘reliability threshold’ is enforced by the organisers of the survey. This means that response rates in any department must exceed 50% in order for the results of that department to be counted.
The figures given below are taken from the NSS Dissemination site, and are based on all 457 responses. This response rate represented 65% of eligible students which is in line with the national average but a 4% decrease on the School’s figure from last year.
Where we are doing well
The following questions received an average response of 4.0 or higher:
- 4.3 The course is intellectually stimulating
- 4.3 Staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
- 4.0 My communication skills have improved
- 4.1 Staff have made the subject interesting
- 4.1 Staff are good at explaining things
Where we could do better
The following questions received an average response rate of 3.5 or lower:
- 3.5 Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices
- 3.5 I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies
- 3.5 Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand
- 3.3 Feedback on my work has been prompt
- 3.5 I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities or rooms when I needed to
Next Steps
The NSS 2011 results identified areas where further improvements are needed, specifically in relation to Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support.
These key areas will be discussed at the first Heads of Departments Forum held in October 2011. Departmental action plans for 2010 will be reviewed and updated for session 2011-12 based on these findings. Action plans for 2011 will be considered by Academic Board at its first meeting of the session.
School-wide responses to each question
| Question | Average Response 2010/11 | +/- on 2009/10 |
| 1. The teaching on my course | 4.2 | 0 |
|---|---|---|
| Staff are good at explaining things | 4.1 | -0.1 |
| Staff have made the subject interesting | 4.1 | 0 |
| Staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching | 4.3 | 0 |
| The course is intellectually stimulating | 4.3 | 0 |
| 2. Assessment and feedback | 3.6 | 0 |
| The criteria used in marking have been clear in advance | 3.6 | -0.2 |
| Assessment arrangements and marking have been fair | 3.9 | 0 |
| Feedback on my work has been prompt | 3.3 | -0.1 |
| I have received detailed comments on my work | 3.6 | -0.1 |
| Feedback on my work has helped me clarify things I did not understand | 3.5 | 0 |
| 3. Academic support | 3.6 | 0 |
| I have received sufficient advice and support with my studies | 3.5 | 0 |
| I have been able to contact staff when I needed to | 3.9 | 0.1 |
| Good advice was made available when I needed to make study choices | 3.5 | 0 |
| 4. Organisation and management | 3.8 | 0 |
| The timetable works effectively as far as my activities are concerned | 3.8 | -0.1 |
| Any changes in the course or teaching have been communicated effectively | 3.7 | -0.1 |
| The course is well organised and is running smoothly | 3.8 | 0 |
| 5. Learning resources | 3.9 | 0 |
| The library resources and services are good enough for my needs | 3.9 | 0 |
| I have been able to access general IT resources when I needed to | 4.0 | 0 |
| I have been able to access specialised equipment, facilities or rooms when I needed to | 3.8 | 0 |
| 6. Personal development | 3.9 | -0.1 |
| The course has helped me to present myself with confidence | 3.9 | 0 |
| My communication skills have improved | 4.0 | -0.1 |
| As a result of the course, I feel confident in tackling unfamiliar problems | 3.9 | 0 |
| 7. Overall satisfaction | ||
| Overall, I am satisfied | 4.1 | 0 |
