Data sources

There are 4 basic data sources used in Unit evaluation and each has particular strengths and weaknesses.

Students

Students are best placed to comment on the classroom experience. They are less well placed to comment on the level of the content material and the academic integrity of the Unit. Both present and past students may be asked to comment and the most common methods for obtaining comment are by questionnaires, focus group interviews and class representative panels.

Academic peers

Academic peers are well placed to comment on the level and academic integrity of the Unit. Unless specifically trained, they are less well placed to comment on the classroom experience. Academic peers from similar areas within the University, other institutions or professional bodies, are normally asked to comment on Unit documentation and materials.

Educational advisers

Educational advisers (e.g. HEDU) are well placed to comment on educational design and educational processes but are not well placed to comment on disciplinary or content knowledge. They are normally asked to comment on Unit documentation and materials but may also be asked to give formative feedback on classroom processes.

Self review

Teachers are well placed to evaluate many aspects of the teaching of a Unit through systematic self-review. However for a more complete picture other sources such as a teaching journal, notebook or other recording device can be used.