Course evaluations are a key source of information regarding the quality of teaching, but the current approach is under pressure. Response rates to course evaluations are low, results are not always actionable, and follow-up and feedback are sometimes lacking. Furthermore, there are differences between faculties, and the use of student feedback gives rise to debate, for example regarding bias and its use in assessments. The recommendations of the Institutional audit (2025) therefore explicitly emphasise the importance of further developing course evaluations.
Action plan
The project is developing a university-wide approach to course evaluations, with a focus on student feedback as part of a broader set of quality assurance tools. The project is being carried out within a project structure comprising a project team and a steering group. The development of this approach is based on literature, good practices both within and outside the university, and insights from within the organisation.
Stakeholders, including students and lecturers representatives, are involved at various stages. The project team’s guiding principles are tested in focus groups, and feedback is gathered to inform the next steps. The findings from these sessions are used to refine the recommendations.
Intended outcome
The project will result in an advisory report. This report will set out the vision for educational quality, course evaluations and student feedback, as well as a description of the specific topics for which student feedback is particularly suitable. In addition, the advisory report includes a proposal for the design of a new working method, including the form and frequency of evaluations, the parties involved and their roles, and the method of analysis, interpretation, follow-up and feedback on results.
The proposed new approach affects all lecturers and students and requires them to adapt the way they handle course evaluations and student feedback.