Teaching and Learning
The 2010 survey synthesis represents a
decade of student opinion about the teaching
and learning environment and overall student
experience at the University of Saskatchewan.
These summarized findings are meant to
ensure that the student voice is included in
the university planning process at all levels to
address the emerging priority needs to
support undergraduate and graduate
students.
This is one of the 10 fact sheets included in the
launch of the 2010 survey synthesis. Each fact
sheet focuses on a specific theme or aspect of
the student experience as reported by
University of Saskatchewan survey
participants between 2001 and 2010.
These surveys include the Canadian University
Survey Consortium (CUSC) and the National
Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), among
others.
How satisfied are students with the quality of
education and teaching at the U of S?
From 2002 to 2010, the vast majority of U of S students (86-91%)
were satisfied with the quality of education they received, which was
consistently higher than their counterparts at our peer institutions
(see Appendix B).
Students were also satisfied with the quality of teaching at the U of S
(79-92%).
Our students believed the quality of the instructor had a huge impact
on the student experience, where one negative experience could
overshadow their positive experiences.
In 2008, while one-third of undergraduate students cited an emphasis
on teaching ability (excellence) as one area needing improvement,
60% listed it among their top areas for improvement.
Are students satisfied with the personal attention
shown to them as students?
From 2001 to 2010, 63-79% of U of S students were satisfied with the
level of individual attention they received from faculty or staff, which
was similar to our peers.
What is the ideal learning experience?
For the complete list of surveys used in the
2010 survey synthesis, please see Appendix A
of this package.
In 2008, 85% of students said they preferred classroom instruction
with online supports over strictly classroom-based instruction, a mix of
online and classroom instruction, or solely on-line instruction.
For more information about specific surveys
at the University of Saskatchewan, please
contact the office of Institutional Planning
and Assessment (IPA) at:
ipa_assessment@usask.ca.
U of S students described their ideal learning experience as one
where students had: personal interaction with their instructors;
passionate and enthusiastic instructors; and courses including a mix of
hands-on/practical experience, self-directed/active learning and
discussion groups/seminars.
Complete List of Fact Sheets in Initial Launch Package
Pre-university ° First-year Transition ° Graduate Students ° Post-graduation Trends ° Teaching and Learning ° Student Finances
Out-of-class Experience ° Major Facilities and Services ° Aboriginal Students ° Overall Satisfaction
www.usask.ca/ip
Teaching and Learning
Are first-year students satisfied with their learning experience?
Between 2001 and 2010, first-year students were less satisfied on a variety of aspects related to teaching
and learning such as quality of teaching, student-faculty interaction and activities in the classroom
(discussions, presentations, group work) than the rest of the undergraduate student body.
What is an ideal instructor like?
When asked to list the top qualities of an ideal instructor, students identified an instructor who is
enthusiastic, knowledgeable and makes students’ learning a priority.
Other qualities of an ideal instructor included: a passion for the subject area; practical/real world experience;
communication skills; enjoyment of teaching; approachable, accessible, empathetic and professional.
Are students satisfied with instructors in specific areas?
In 2008, 72-91% of U of S students were satisfied with their professors on a range of items including
accessibility, sensitivity to gender issues, personal interest in students’ academic progress and encouraging
classroom discussions. Satisfaction with these items has improved since 2002 and was higher than our peers.
The following key factors are related to students’ satisfaction with the quality of teaching at the U of S:
Treating
students as
individuals
Being
accessible
outside of
class
Encouraging
class
discussions
Satisfaction
with quality
of teaching
Looking out
for students'
interests
Consistent
and fair
grading
Intellectually
stimulating
learning
experience
Complete List of Fact Sheets in Initial Launch Package
Pre-university ° First-year Transition ° Graduate Students ° Post-graduation Trends ° Teaching and Learning ° Student Finances
Out-of-class Experience ° Major Facilities and Services ° Aboriginal Students ° Overall Satisfaction
www.usask.ca/ip