Survey Tools

Why Use a Survey Tool?

They are a quick way to collect answers or responses from students. Survey tools can be used in a variety of question formats (multiple choice, ranking, open-ended and more). These tools can provide a quick snapshot of student background knowledge, common misconceptions, current opinions, and even reasons for taking a course. It is possible to check student learning with a survey without making it a graded Assignment.  

Pre/post surveys can help to measure the effectiveness of a particular strategy. As an instructor, you will be able to assess if student learning aligns with the course outcomes. 

Using survey tools throughout the term as a course evaluation, creating opportunities for students to share feedback about course content and pedagogy. As the instructor, you can deal with any issues before the course ends and demonstrate a willingness to listen to feedback/engage with students to improve the class. 

Polls

Are one version of a survey that can also be used effectively in online learning. Polls are looking for more general information than a survey and the results are often available to both instructors and students immediately. Polls are typically used to record opinions or votes and often consist of only one question. Word clouds are great visual representations of a poll question. 

Considerations for Survey Tools

 When considering the use of a survey in your term, there are several points to think about:

  • Define the purpose of the survey 
  • Surveys should be simple and concise with well-designed questions.  
  • Check and complete the survey before giving it to students
  • Before conducting the survey, explain why you are collecting the data and share whether or not the survey is anonymous. Express how much you appreciate student feedback and explain how valuable it is to you as you refine your course
  • If you are requesting open-ended feedback, for example, guide students on how to provide effective feedback by articulating the characteristics of effective and ineffective comments. 
  • If appropriate, ask students to predict what you might discover. 
  • Share your results with students and explain what the results mean and how they might influence your course. 

Tools for Online Surveys

Samples

A Qualtrics Survey

 

A Poll Everywhere Poll 

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