Surveys
How do you construct/compile an effective survey? How often should the questions be modified?
Great question, Ron. We believe in developing a total outcomes assessment plan. Every strategy put in place needs to be measured, in our opinion. There are written surveys, online surveys, in person interviews, focus groups, and more - all designed to determine how you are doing and how things are going. Once you have the information then it is important to compile the results and get feedback from all stakeholders in your school. What did the data tell you? What information is missing? What changes should be made? And - to answer your question - what new questions need to be asked to get the information wanted. Best wishes, Susan
Surveys are great as they provide a measure of how things are working. You know what to fix and what is OK as is.
Good points, Beth. We always look for challenges and opportunities. And asking the basic question - how did we do? will result in lots of good answers. We like open ended surveys where people write in whatever they want. Surveys that require ratings or true and false etc. may be easy on everyone, but does guide the types of responses you'll get. Thanks, Susan
Yes , I think that a true/false Survey should be use only for certain questions that we can get a better result when the students or the employers can give their own oppion.
Do you have any Survey sample that I can look at it?
We agree, Cary, that true false surveys get very little information. They are quick however, and there is a chance that they will get returned. We think that there should be a combination of fill in the blank surveys and phone or in person surveys. People are generally willing to talk, if you can arrange the time. And you'll get a lot more information. It's best to plan 5 or so open ended questions about key information you want to know. If you can record the responses that's great. Or else take really great notes. Or have 2 people listen in on the answers. Good luck, Susan
Dr. Schulz,
We have several programs on our campus. Some programs are easier than others to obtain the employer survey feedback. With one of our Associates program it a requirement that the direct manager fill it out. This has proven to be a challenge. They are always "so busy"! Normally, HR fills out the employment verification and they will try to have the manager take time to fill out the survey. I try to take it up to the individual hospital floors; it is not always a success. Any advice is appreciated.
Antonia,
Yes. It is a challenge to get employer feedback yet so important and often required. What happens if you phone and ask for 5 minutes time. Then ask the questions. Often you get more information
Thann you expect. You often have the chance to talk about other things like new training that might be required or ways to take over training companies might do on their site.
Dr. Susan Schulz
