Title: Student Experience Survey
Author: Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
About
The Student Experience Survey (SES) is the premier tool for assessing educational experiences at Australian higher education institutions. It captures data on measurable factors that influence learning and development outcomes, which can be improved by the institutions.
Targeting both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students, the SES gathers insights annually, aiding in the enhancement of teaching and learning across Australia.
This survey covers a broad range of areas including the quality of the educational experience, teaching quality, learner engagement, learning resources, student support, and skills development. The SES provides valuable feedback from over 240,000 students.
Author
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) is responsible for administering the SES. QILT is a government-backed initiative that aims to help prospective students make informed choices about higher education in Australia. The goal is to provide relevant, detailed, and comparative information about Australian higher education institutions.
Key Takeaways
- The SES is essential for anyone looking to advance their career in higher education, providing a comprehensive overview of student experiences.
- Feedback from over 240,000 students each year offers deep insights into teaching quality and student satisfaction.
- The survey highlights areas of strength and those requiring improvement, guiding institutional enhancements.
- It includes comparisons of pre- and post-pandemic educational experiences, indicating recovery in several key areas.
- International student experiences are addressed separately, offering a global perspective on Australia's education quality.
Interpretation of Survey Results
QILT stresses the importance of careful interpretation of the SES results. It advises considering the survey data as indicative rather than definitive, acknowledging the diversity of student experiences and the complexity of educational environments.
The SES results should be viewed as a tool for continuous improvement rather than a final judgement on quality. Institutions are encouraged to focus on areas highlighted for enhancement while recognising their successes in others.
JCU Postgraduate Computing
For James Cook University's postgraduate Computing and Information Systems students, the survey results published in 2023 show significant positive feedback across several key indicators when compared to national averages.
- Learner Engagement: 69.2% of JCU postgrad students reported positive experiences with interactions among students, substantially higher than the national average of 48.4%. This suggests a strong sense of community and collaboration within the program.
- Learning Resources: 84.2% of JCU students were satisfied with the facilities and resources available to them, which is above the national average of 78.8%. This indicates that JCU provides effective and accessible learning materials and technology for computing and information systems postgraduate students.
- Student Support: Similarly, 84.2% of students at JCU rated support services positively, compared to the national average of 72.7%. This high level of satisfaction highlights the university's commitment to offering supportive services that cater effectively to student needs.