Revolutionising feedback for student success

As in many parts of the world, students across much of the UK are investing more than ever before in their own higher education. As such, the need for this investment to return value to the student (as both the customer and the consumer) is critical.

Similarly, with tuition fee revenues making up the majority of income for many universities, higher education institutions (HEIs) are looking for ways to ensure they attract and retain students.

A key measure underpinning both of these drivers is student experience and satisfaction. Factors such as the Teaching Excellence Framework and the National Student Survey puts student experience and satisfaction directly under the spotlight. Many HEIs are looking to continuously improve, in order to provide their students with a globally-respected education that delivers clear and long-term value.

Advances in technology can help HEIs in their drive to provide the best experience for their students. Digital management of assessment and feedback to students, for example, can improve the speed, transparency, consistency and overall value of this crucial part of the HE experience to both the student and the institution.

A recent UCISA survey of Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) practitioners, put electronic management of assessment (including e-marking and e-feedback) top of the list of ‘technology developments that are making new demands’ in terms of TEL support required.

Dr Naomi Winstone, Director of the Surrey Assessment and Learning Lab, is at the forefront of research into how students best engage with and act upon feedback received during their studies. This research led to the development of a Feedback Engagement And Tracking System (FEATS), designed by students at the University of Surrey.

FEATS has already received external recognition, winning ‘Educational Development Initiative of the Year’ at the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) Awards in 2018.

The main features of FEATS include the following:

• ability to gather feedback from multiple assignments and modules in one place, aggregating and highlighting common messages;
• a bank of resources to help students implement feedback and develop skills;
• ability to apply feedback into an action-plan and track progression

RM recently announced its new partnership with the University of Surrey, to develop FEATS further, enabling other universities to improve student success through active engagement and support with their feedback.