Natasha Sprague Academic Engagement Co-ordinator

 To describe the NSS and it’s use.  To identify areas of the NSS which they can use as a tool for change.

 In a minute you will stand up.  A number of statements are going to be shown to you.  If you agree with the statement you must remain standing.  If you disagree with the statement you should sit down.

I have been into the Student Union

I watch the X Factor

I like olives

I enjoyed fresher’s week

I have found staff welcoming at Plymouth University

I fully understand the role of the course rep

Why do I think was asking these questions? Experiences Getting to know each other Opinions Have you have found uni so far. Find out what you like

The NSS: Gathers opinions on the quality of courses. The survey asks participants to provide honest feedback on what it has been like to study their course at their institution. Asked whether you agree or disagree with statements.

To look at what you know about the NSS:  You will be given a piece of paper with 4 squares on – Yes, No, Don’t Know and Maybe.  You will be a number of statements. Within your groups I want you to discuss and decide which square to put the statements on.  The statements are given to you upside down. One person is to read the statement, then discuss together where it should go. Then allow another person to read the next statement.

 Where do you think the statement goes?  Why do you think the statement belongs there?

 To help the University improve it’s offering to students.  To help prospective students make a informed decision.  To help lecturer’s understand areas for course development.  To support you in ensuring your course is providing what it can.  To share best practise.

 Find a copy of your school report. The numbers are the percentage of students who agreed with the statement. Green = Above the national average Amber = Around the national average. Red = Below the national average.

 Have a look at your own school reports, what area’s do they excel in? What area’s could be improved? How do they compare from the national average?  Move around the room and find people from a different school then you? What is different in the reports? What do your school that other’s don’t.

 You can use the NSS to negotiate points with your lecturer’s/academics as they can back up your points.  We can get you more analysis if you Student Voice.  You can find Course Specific NSS data by searching for your Course on the Uni Stats website  For any points that are particularly low – ask your course mates for comments – do these back up the figures?  If you would like to run a campaign this is often a good place to start. 

 The SPQ (Student Perception Questionnaire) is for students in all but their final year.  This year there will be a big campaign in early January for both the SPQ and the NSS – please get involved and help in any way you can.

 UPSU Big 10 Survey ◦ Survey in January/Feb time ◦ Summarises student concerns  Module Feedback forms ◦ Ask your programme lead if you can see these results?  UPSU Campaigns research ◦ Hidden course costs report

 NUS Connect Website ◦ See what other SU’s and NUS are doing ◦ Resources and campaigns information  Times Higher Website ◦ Keep up to date with national Higher Education issues  You can always run your own surveys using Survey Monkey. ◦ But remember, there’s no need to re-invent the wheel if the information is already there!

 To describe the NSS and it’s use.  To identify areas of the NSS which you can use as a tool for change.  Looked at other sources of data and information that you can use