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Using the AUSSE data
- What capacity is there to link the AUSSE survey results with others types of research?
The data collected as part of the AUSSE survey complements current data collections that focus on satisfaction with the quality of teaching and the learning environment. Linking the AUSSE data with institutional data available in administrative systems provides a means of studying issues such as student retention and attrition in relation to student engagement.
- Is there a danger of comparisons being made against unlike universities (for example)?
Institutions are able to benchmark measures of student engagement between institutions. When benchmarking with other universities, best results will be achieved if institutions compare results with like-institutions, or if institutions seek out institutions with similar student engagement profiles.
- How can we find out what other universities are doing with their survey results?
There are a few ways in which you can find out what other universities are doing with their survey results. Benchmarking with other universities will allow you to discuss results from the AUSSE and your ideas for using the survey results.
- Can I use it to compare or benchmark with other universities?
Institutions are able to benchmark measures of student engagement between institutions. Several forms of data-focused benchmarking activities might be considered. Institutions may compare their results with like-institutions if collaborations are formed. Such comparisons would help identify areas of strength and those in need of improvement. Alternatively, institutions might work from engagement results, and seek out institutions with similar student engagement profiles. Benchmarking student engagement profiles can bring out complementarities in student mixes and educational practices that institution-level comparisons can mask.
- What can be done to investigate student barriers to entry?
Once data have been collected using for the AUSSE, further information can be sought from students by involving them in conversations about engagement in a range of ways. This can be done by giving students representation on groups developed to stimulate and manage organisational conversations about engagement. Focus groups can be held with students and student fora and colloquia can provide students with a voice.
- How can we gain access to appropriate comparative data that will motivate staff?
The Australian Student Engagement Report (ASER) is a cross-institutional and cross-national report prepared each year by ACER. This report contains a summary of results obtained by the universities surveyed as part of AUSSE as a whole and also contrasts these results with the results obtained in the NSSE. ACER does not publish individual universities’ results in this document, however each institution that participates in the AUSSE is provided with an individual institution report. Institutions can also download their results from the AUSSE website. Another way to gain comparative information is to benchmark with other institutions. Benchmarking allows institutions to compare their student engagement data with like-institutions, if collaborations are formed, or to compare institutions with similar student engagement profiles.
- How can we translate findings from the AUSSE into actions?
A guide has been prepared that suggests ways that Australasian universities might use AUSSE data in a productive manner to bring about positive educational change. To download this guide, please go to http://www.acer.edu.au/research/ausse/reports
- Can we compare the results for international and domestic students?
Yes, this is possible. The data obtained from each student who participated can be linked with data from your administrative system which will let you know whether the student was an international respondent or a local respondent and will allow you to compare different groups of respondents. Particular demographic questions contained in the AUSSE can also be used to make comparisons between different categories of respondents.
- What is the relationship between staff and student engagement?
Both the SEQ and the SSES provide a measure of student engagement. The AUSSE itself does not provide a measure of staff engagement, however if you are interested in looking at the relationship between student and staf engagement, you could conduct some research that looks at staff engagement in your institution.
- How can we find out what staff are thinking about student engagement?
The Staff Student Engagement Survey (SSES) complements the AUSSE. The SSES measures academics’ expectations for student engagement in educational practices that have been linked empirically with high quality learning and development. Compared with student feedback, relatively little information from academic staff is collected in Australasian higher education. Such information is important, as it can help to identify relationships and gaps between student engagement and staff expectations, engage staff in discussions about student engagement and in student feedback processes, provide information on staff awareness and perceptions of student learning, and enable benchmarking of staff responses across institutions.
- How can we engage staff in the process?
Staff should be engaged every step of the way. A good way to ensure that they are engaged in the process is to inform them. Give them information on the AUSSE. Let them know what will be done with the data, how any changes may affect them and give them a chance to voice their views and concerns. Giving staff information will help to engage them in the process of continuous improvement.
- What are the approaches for engaging students in the AUSSE? Research has shown that there is great
Research has shown that there is great value in taking active steps to enhance students’ participation in survey processes. Staff at institutions can use a range of approaches to engage students in the AUSSE, including informing potential respondents about the AUSSE during general teaching activities, affirming the importance of the survey and student feedback during the collection period, and disseminating feedback about the survey to all relevant stakeholders.
