Module Evaluation Feedback for AM101
Autumn 2014
Thank you for returning these forms. 44 forms were returned, of a possible 82. This represents a
return rate of 53%.
Of these, 19 (43%) ‘strongly agreed’ that they were, overall, satisfied with the module. The remaining
25 (56%) ‘agreed’ that they were satisfied, so overall everyone was either very satisfied or satisfied
with the mdoule. You commented that the lectures were ‘interesting and vibrant’, ‘probably some of
the best on the course’, the tutors ‘happy and approachable’ and ‘engaging’, and the seminars helpful,
with a ‘nice atmosphere’. The module team is very pleased that you’re generally contented with the
module!
Here are the issues you raised as needing attention:
Marking criteria
11 (25%) ‘disagreed’ (one ‘strongly’) that the marking criteria had been made clear in advance, and 3
more had ‘no firm opinion’.
Our response: The descriptors for different marking classes (first, etc.) are listed on the back of all
cover sheets for assessed work, and can also be found here:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/students/assessment/marking/. If you have any questions
about what the different descriptors mean, please don’t hesitate to ask the module team for
clarification.
Helpfulness of feedback
3 people reported that the feedback did not help clarify thing they did not understand. 4 felt strongly
that the marking had not been prompt and another that the marking was not fair.
Our response: The individual essay discussion session with your tutor is intended, in part, to help
clarify any aspects of the feedback you did not find helpful. If after attending this session you still did
not find the feedback useful ask your tutor for another session to go over the essay in greater depth. If
you don’t think the marking was fair, then you should ask your tutor to explain how they arrived at the
mark, using the marking criteria (see above). If this does not resolve the situation then please do come
to talk with Rebecca (Earle) about your concerns.
Lectures
2 people disagreed that the lectures were well delivered, while a third would have liked two lectures
per week. One person suggested hand-outs—although several others said the existing hand-outs were
useful. Several recommended putting the power points and hand-outs online, and one person said that
the existing online power points were ‘illegible’. Several noted that the lectures covered a lot of
material.
Our response: All the power points used in lectures should be online, but if the files do not download
properly do let Rebecca know. What’s the merit in putting the hand outs online, since you will already
have received a hard copy in the lecture?
Seminars
1 person suggested using quizzes or debates ‘to spice things up’, and another proposed using films. A
number mentioned awkward silences. 2 people sometimes found the reading boring or irrelevant, and
several felt there was too much reading. Another noted last minute changes to the assigned readings.
Our response: Most of the people who noted silences also suggested that they themselves could try to
participate more, which is surely a good idea.
Personal development
3 people disagreed that the module had helped them improve in confidence and presentation skills, and
several others expressed no firm opinion on this.
Our response: Please do come to talk with Rebecca, or your personal tutor, about how to develop these
transferable skills via this and other modules.
contacting staff
1 person strongly disagreed that they were able to contact staff when necessary.
Our response: We’re sorry that someone has, evidently, not had a good experience in this regard. If it
was a simple matter of not having contact details, or such like, please come to see Rebecca to see what
can be done to clarify the situation.
Library resources
1 person disagreed that they were able to access IT resources when necessary, and several more
expressed no firm opinion on this. Another disagreed that the library adequately supported their needs,
and several more also expressed no firm opinion.
Our response: Staff at the Library help desk are generally very helpful in explaining the intricacies of
the online catalogue and on how to locate readings.
RE
7.1.15