Launch of simulation game student feedback survey tool – free to use and adapt

Sim Institute is launching a new learner feedback survey instrument that is free to use and adapt by everyone.

After completing a session with a simulation game or other experiential learning tool, it is natural for instructors to want to know how successful the intervention has been. Looking around the room to get a feel for student reactions can be useful, but has often proven to be an unreliable guide. There is no way of knowing how all the neutral-looking students feel about their experience without asking them. Collecting feedback from learners through a short survey can help to assess the success of a learning session and to determine improvements for future use. Giving students the opportunity to share feedback also sends an important signal that their views matter.

As discussed in our October 2023 Newsletter (see here), it is difficult to measure the impact of simulation games on learning outcomes. Surveys of student engagement are typically easier to administer and interpret, but unfortunately such instruments are rarely used and student feedback about simulations gets hidden among overall course feedback. If surveys change regularly and each instructor uses a different set of questions, it also becomes difficult to compare results between classes and over time.

In response, Sim Institute has developed a short survey and is making it available to instructors who want to obtain student feedback on the use of simulation games in class. It can also be used for feedback on other experiential learning activities. The survey consists of eight questions, of which four relate to different elements of student engagement (purpose, immersion, control, interest). Other questions solicit feedback about the level of challenge, the length of the simulation, the impact on learning and the overall experience. Finally, respondents have a free text field to make any comments.

The full list of questions is as follows:

(5-point Likert scale from ‘Not Very’ to ‘Very Much’, unless stated)

1.????? It was clear what I could learn from the activity.

2.????? I enjoyed the activity.

3.????? Feedback I was given was useful.

4.????? I was interested in exploring the options available.

5.????? This activity helped me reach my learning objectives.

6.????? The level of difficulty of this activity was (Too easy - Appropriate - Too challenging/complex).

7.????? The time allocated for this activity was (Too short – Appropriate - Too long).

8.????? I would recommend this activity to other learners.

9.????? Please share any additional feedback here: …

This survey is freely available to use and to adapt, with instructors able to change, delete or add questions according to their preferences. Since the survey is built in Google Forms, a Google account is needed to use and edit it. Respondents don't need a Google account and can remain anonymous. The survey can be viewed here. To use the survey as an instructor, go here ?and click on Use Template on the top right. Make any changes to the survey questions that are required and click Send to share it with your students. Only the person sending the survey has access to the responses.

It is our intention that with this survey tool, more instructors will get student feedback about their teaching with simulation games and that student experiences will continue to improve as a result.