STUDENT VOICE REPORT TERM ONE 21/22
Towards the end of Term 1, the Students’ Union carried out its first student voice survey of the 2021-2022 academic year. This was to gain a better understanding of how students were feeling regarding online, face to face and practical teaching, Covid-19 and their experiences with the Students’ Union activities and events. A total of 582 students had completed the student voice survey which we were then able to analyse. As the adaption from hybrid learning to face to face learning will soon begin, the Students’ Union wanted to ensure all feedback was raised with the Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee (LTSEC) and with any relevant university staff to make the appropriate adaptations.
Executive Summary
The key information in this survey has been drawn from free text comments which have been analysed with common themes being collated together.
Online Learning
Students were generally positive about online study but occasionally found it isolating. Out of 408 respondents completing free text questions, 23% of students liked that they had the ability to study at their own pace and 13% of students liked the accessibility of online learning (when ill or isolating), but it was noted that 15% of students stated they felt limited by a lack of interaction with their lecturers and peers.
Face to Face Study
Generally students were positive about face to face learning. Out of 352 respondents completing free text questions, 21% of students liked the ability they had to engage with their lecturers and peers and 12% of students liked that they could easily ask questions and get quick answers. On the other hand, there was concerns that 8% of students noted that some face to face tutorials were repeats of the pre-recorded lectures.
Practical Sessions
Students were overwhelmingly positive about the importance of practical sessions. Out of 331 respondents completing free text questions, 23% of students stated that the practical sessions were engaging, 18% of students stated that the sessions gave them skills to then apply to the real world and 14% of students stated that it was easier for them to learn when hands on, although 10% of students stated that they wanted more practical sessions available now that face to face teaching was back.
Students’ Union Strategic Planning
Students were keen to see the SU’s entertainment provision provide value for money. Out of 343 respondents completing free text questions, 29% of students said that they wanted cheaper drinks deals and tickets, 17% of students wanted better and improved service times, 10% of students wanted the bar extension open when the bar was and another 10% of students asked for a variety of music, including bands or singers, and to be given the opportunity to give their opinions of the music that is played.
Out of 290 respondents completing free text questions, 15% asked for more trips and activities are arranged, 12% of students asked for more themed nights in the SU and 10% of students asked for more bands and artists to be included in the provision for term 2.
Executive Conclusion
From the feedback received from students it should be recognised that they
- Are keen to see an increase in face to face teaching.
- Recognise that they felt well equipped to online learning and liked the accessibility and the ability to go at their own pace when learning. This is something we believe students want even when the pandemic and Covid-19 controls are over.
- Value practical sessions above all.
- May need support in transitioning back into face to face study. We may need to look at how we continue to provide elements of digital support.
These findings have been shared with the Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee and HASU will continue to work with the university to see positive changes within the university. The Students’ Union hopes to work with the university to embed recorded lectures into the full teaching experience this year and beyond.
To view the full report, click here.