Author Description

This handbook offers guidance to teachers for obtaining and evaluating feedback on courses and programs of study at institutions of higher education in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Part 1 examines the purposes and functions of feedback, defines key terms, and summarizes key steps in the feedback process. Part 2 discusses the preparation needed for the evaluation process, including clarifying the context, focusing feedback accurately, and identifying topics to be addressed, such as course aims and structure, teaching, assessment, course management, and students' responses. Part 3 examines sources and methods, specifically methods for obtaining and evaluating feedback from within the course team, from students, from external colleagues and peers, and incidental feedback. For each group of sources, individual methodologies are described and response sheets encourage the user to relate the methodology to his or her own course/program. Part 4 discusses analyzing outcomes and acting on findings. Specific subsections address: analyzing data (both closed and open-ended); interpreting findings; consulting on feedback; acting on findings and communicating outcomes. Many examples illustrate the processes discussed. (Contains 24 references.) (DB)