Is getting enough prompt and accurate feedback the single most important variable for improving learning online?
The following is a definitive answer recieved from a UHI learner for the tutor feedback question that I posted on the results page – What kind of feedback would learners like from their tutors and how quickly would they like to receive this feedback e.g. within 24 hours, 48, 72, one week?
A few others have posted their agreement to some and all of the points made and also similar points have been mentioned in the telephone and email interviews that have been conducted.
What is common is that learners would like regular and consistent feedback from their tutors, and some of them would like it immediately if at all possible. In many cases, what they are wanting is reassurance that they are doing the right thing and are on the right track. (This improves their confidence and motivation.)
———
UHI Learner:
Discussion board
“It is good to get comments back within about 24 hours (weekend and holidays excepted.) It is useful to know if you are thinking along the right lines, have gone off at a tangent, have made a useful contribution, or to be asked a further question that makes me think more deeply.”
TMAs (assignments)
“I would like to receive feedback between 2 and 3 weeks after submission. I would like to know what was good; structure, appropriate references, appropriate thinking, where I could improve- Having the feedback/marking sheet with mark or even scale for each section helps you see where you need to improve if you want to get a better grade.”
e-mails
“Depends what I am asking how quickly I would like a response. If it is an urgent exam or TMA query I would like the response within a day (has always happened). If it is what modules I can expect to do next semester it isn’t urgent so probably would like a response within a week even if it is just to say don’t worry about this now I will contact you closer to the time. I would like all e-mails that contain a question to be acknowledged even if the answer is not or cannot be immediately forthcoming.”
——
Furthermore, 201 people responded to the following question, showing that 78.7% would like to be in regular contact 1-to-1 with their tutor between 1 week and 1 month. While 16.4% only want contact as required and when necessary.
How often would you like your tutor to communicate with you directly and privately?
- Once a week 25.4%
- Once every two weeks 24.4%
- Once a month 28.9%
- Once every two months 2%
- Once a semester 3%
- Not at all 0%
- Other (please specify) 16.4%
