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U3A Melbourne City: 2013 Short Course Student Feedback. Final Report February 2014 Page 1
U3A Melbourne City
Level 4, Ross House
247 Flinders Lane
Melbourne 3000
www.u3amelbcity.org.au
2013 Short Course Student Feedback
Final Report - February 2014
Ann Johns & Julie Nankervis
Course Coordination Team
Summary
During 2013 written feedback was again sought from students in the short course program. Thirty-
two courses participated, with 264 students providing feedback which represents 82% of the
average student attendance in those courses. As in previous years the feedback was very positive
about the running of the course and the benefits derived.
Students overwhelmingly rated their particular course as very enjoyable (93%), stimulating (93%),
and strongly endorsed the tutor’s providing a supportive and friendly atmosphere (95%). They
highly rated (93%) sessions as well-organised and of high quality content, demonstrating the
professionalism of tutors.
There was less agreement about the course length, with a third indicating a preference for a longer
course to further explore the topic or consolidate the skills involved. However 64% thought that
the course length was “Just right”.
At a personal level, students benefited significantly from their participation in the course. The vast
majority of students (80%) nominated the knowledge gained in the subject area as the most
important outcome. Motivation/Inspiration was also noted by just over half (58%) as a significant
benefit, while a further 42% stated that they derived companionship from their course participation.
As such, we can conclude that the various short courses were enjoyable and well run along lines
that support learning for mature age students. The educational and social goals of the program
appear to have been met and the provision of short courses is highly valued by members. Some
suggestions were made for extending the program in specific areas and about new topics or
extending existing programs, thereby providing guidance to the Course Coordination Team in
further development of the program.
In acknowledging some limitation to the survey process, we recommend that an electronic survey
be implemented in 2014 which would enable greater comment by students, the inclusion of
members who have dropped out, and more efficient data entry, analysis and feedback to individual
tutors.