REFLECTION ON SURVEY RESULTS
Results that have come in have shown some surprising outcomes. Keeping in mind that only 51% of first year students have participated in the survey, the result still provides a first step of understanding student’s perspective when entering into higher education.
The questionnaire and questions need to be revisited and possibly adapted in content and structure. As I’ve chosen an Agree to Disagree Scale in conjunction to statements as questions, the clarity and conciseness of certain statements might not have been given. Free text indicates, that students might have not been entirely clear on the context and framework of the questionnaire in relation to their personal tutorial only. Some students have commented on the overall Uni experience, influenced by departments outside of our course. At this stage, it is unclear to me how to possibly calibrate the questionnaire and space in order to achieve more specific feedback in relation to our BA Animation Course and Year 1.
The implementation and structure of the questions themselves (the psychology of questions) possibly leaves room for improvement. By choosing statements in relation to answers provided on a scale, an “acquiescence bias” could have an effect on students responding taking the survey. The survey itself could be possible expanded thematically in order to retrieve more specific feedback on a student’s comfort and sense of belonging when transitioning into higher education. My hope would be for students to ultimately feel “home” in our program and at University, influencing their work and learning outcome whilst at University.
Reflecting on positionally and inclusivity: Although I have offered to conduct all personal tutorials myself (and have become the “to go to” person when in trouble), it is unclear to me if I am the right fit as Year 1 Lead. My role, ethnicity and gender could be preventing students from feeling comfortable to feel comfortable and share their struggles (intersectionality). Although my experience and impression conducting all persona tutorials has been only positive, trusting and inclusive, my opinion is obviously biased and cannot be taken as a reference. Hence, it would be ideal to expand the personal tutorial team in order to offer more diverse tutor body, allowing students to choose a tutor and person of confidence themselves. The main challenge constitutes in keeping an accurate, calibrated track record of all conversations and content of the meeting in order to promptly assist students in need.
Overall, my research project and questionnaire does feel like a first step and at the very beginning of understanding the implications of Personal Tutorials in Year 1.