As the main stakeholders in higher education, it is logical to research the student
perspective on the educational process. Feedback systems in the context of a centralised
institute framework which provides guidelines, codes of practice, questionnaire
templates and informal feedback and these are supplemented by questionnaires at
module, year and programme level, containing both central and departmental questions.
Student evaluation of teaching performance and the instaructional process involved
is a commonly accepted means of obtaining feedback on the quality of university
teaching. However, its usefulness in contributing to improved teaching performance
and the whole instructional process are dependent on the extent to which staff responds
to and apply the information obtained in this way.
The key element is to achieve student satisfaction in order to gain competitive
advantage, and with pressure on institutions to increase student enrolments and
retention, the emphasis placed on a positive student experience has become much
greater. Furthermore, achieving positive word of mouth from current students and
alumni is a vital element of every institution’s promotional mix.