Utilizing the student voice to improve the quality of teaching and learning in private higher education institutions

Abstract

This study was aimed at exploring the impact of the student feedback in enhancing the quality of educational provision in private universities. The study used the longitudinal approach which was carried out as two separate surveys covering a period of three years. An initial survey to determine the issues affecting teaching and learning quality in five private universities was made from June 2011 to May 2012. In 2013, a follow-up survey was carried out to check whether the issues of concern raised by students had been addressed. The study used a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected using semi- structured self-administered questionnaires as well as focus group discussions with students and academic staff. The sample represented four percent of the enrolments of students at each university. The students were drawn from all faculties making sure that each field of study was represented. The findings showed that the major issues affecting quality of teaching and learning were inadequate assignments, absentee lecturers, poorly qualified lecturers, sexual harassment and the lack of public address systems for mass lectures. During the second survey, results showed that all universities had addressed the students’ concerns but new challenges caused by the ever increasing enrolments had emerged. The study points to the need to continuously engage the student voice as a way of improving the quality of the teaching and learning environment. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the importance of the student voice.