Enhancing Feedback Processes in Higher Education: A Study on Digital Tools and Communication Strategies.

Focus: This study investigates the effectiveness of digital feedback tools in higher education, focusing on their potential to enhance student engagement and staff responsiveness. Through a mixed-methods analysis, it examines challenges within current student experience surveys and explores how the tool can address these issues and drive improvement.
Background/context: Effective communication between students and staff is crucial for enhancing the learning experience, as it contributes to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning environments (Carless and Windstone, 2023). However, barriers such as low response rates and survey fatigue limit the potential of feedback tools (Van Mol, 2016).
Description: Students were invited to provide feedback on their learning experiences through a digital tool throughout the semester. A follow-up survey assessed their perceptions of the tool's effectiveness, identified barriers to participation, and gathered suggestions for potential improvements.
Method: Data were collected through an online survey, designed to gather both quantitative metrics and qualitative insights via open-text responses. Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends in the quantitative data, while thematic analysis of the open-text responses offered insights into students' perceptions and suggestions for improvement.
Evidence: Findings indicate that low feedback response rates may stem from students' scepticism about the impact of digital tools impact and perceptions of defensive staff attitude. Improvements such as incentivisation, feature enhancements, and specific educator actions could foster better engagement.
Contribution: This study highlights the importance of cultivating a constructive feedback culture using digital tools, as identified through student responses and supported by literature. Practical recommendations, based on survey responses and literature, are offered to enhance current feedback tools and improve the overall student’s experience.
Engagement: To engage the audience, the presentation will prompt reflection with the question:” How do we ensure current feedback tools contribute to improvements in higher education?”, encouraging critical discussion on enhancing feedback mechanisms.