How do you use feedback from students and graduates to improve quality assurance?

2 Choose your methods

The second step is to choose the methods that best suit your goals and context. There are many ways to collect feedback from students and graduates, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, portfolios, alumni networks, and social media. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method, such as the cost, time, validity, reliability, and response rate. You should also use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to capture different perspectives and insights.

3 Implement your methods

The third step is to implement your methods in a systematic and ethical way. You should plan ahead and communicate clearly with your participants about the purpose, scope, and process of collecting feedback. You should also ensure that you respect their privacy and confidentiality, and that you obtain their informed consent. You should follow the best practices and guidelines for designing and administering feedback instruments, such as using clear and relevant questions, avoiding bias and ambiguity, and providing incentives and reminders.

4 Analyze your data

The fourth step is to analyze your data in a rigorous and meaningful way. You should use appropriate tools and techniques to process and interpret your data, such as statistics, graphs, charts, and themes. You should also compare and contrast your data with other sources of information, such as benchmarks, standards, and indicators. You should look for patterns, trends, gaps, and discrepancies that can help you answer your questions and achieve your outcomes.

5 Report your findings

The fifth step is to report your findings in a clear and concise way. You should use various formats and channels to communicate your findings to your intended audiences, such as reports, presentations, newsletters, and websites. You should also highlight the main points and implications of your findings, such as the strengths and weaknesses of your quality assurance system, the areas for improvement and innovation, and the recommendations and action plans.

6 Act on your feedback

The sixth and final step is to act on your feedback in a timely and effective way. You should use your feedback to inform your decisions and actions for improving quality assurance, such as revising your curriculum, enhancing your teaching and learning methods, updating your policies and procedures, and allocating your resources. You should also monitor and evaluate your actions and their impact on quality assurance, and seek further feedback to ensure continuous improvement and enhancement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?