Evaluation and gathering evidence

Objectives of session To consider the different ways of providing evidence. To share some examples of how institutions have evaluated their activities, campaigns and events. To explore the variety of ways student feedback can be gathered to inform an evidence-based approach to developing activities.

Providing evidence The most common piece of HBHM submission feedback was ‘not enough evidence provided’. Remember to include evidence of anything you said you did. This could include: Pictures of leaflets on support stands across the campus. Screenshots of social media posts Examples of emails Screenshots of the website/moodle Posters for events and activities. Pictures of notice boards Pictures of stalls at events Survey questions & results A campaign plan Single year action plan Comms plan A calendar of events Student feedback Meeting agendas

HBHM - higher level submissions Take note of what is currently available and explore different ways to develop it. Gather evidence in a variety of ways. Think how to gather evidence and evaluate the work from the start, setting time aside for it in their single action plan. Don’t just do things because they’ve always been done that way. Include an honest reflection on each section of the work, what worked well, what didn’t and what they’d change for next time. Things just don’t always work out the way we thought they would and that’s ok!

Setting S.M.A.R.T. objectives Specific Measurable Achievable Resources Time-bound Setting SMART objectives helps during the planning stages, but also enables you to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities.

Examples of how institutions gathered evidence and used it to shape their work

Fife College Gathered student feedback from 85 students, on what the college could do to support students mental health. Of the various suggestions, a mental health advisor was requested. The survey results were presented to the Senior Executive Team to highlight the need for more mental health provision on campus. The college committed to funding a metal health advisor starting in 2018.

Aberdeen University Looked at the number of memberships 4 weeks following Freshers and noticed that only 17% of students were members of sports teams. Many students fed back this was because sports clubs and activities were on Wednesdays, when they have classes. The SA then met with the Vice Principal to see if this could change. He asked them to show him evidence of this, so they conducted a survey. One of the things it found was that 73% of respondents have a compulsory lecture/seminar on Wednesdays. The findings from the survey were presented to the university and timetabling changes were made for the second semester which, then saw a 23% increase in students with sports memberships.

Dundee & Angus College

What variety of methods could be used to gather evidence and student feedback?

Ideas could include Recording the top 3 reasons their students are calling nightline and shape work around this. Asking a question at the start and end of the academic year, then compare the results. Asking the institution how many people they have trained in SMHFA. Number of students who access counselling Student Surveys. Voting with cigarette butts. Workshop feedback. Social media engagement. Show of hands. The use of facilities. Smiley faces. Waiting times

Thank you!