In November 2023, the Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI) subcommittee of the Council on Academic Affairs was charged to significantly revise the system for gathering student feedback on instruction at Ohio State by Vice Provosts Helen Malone and Randy Smith.
“For several decades, the Student Evaluation of Instruction has been one tool used to gather feedback from students,” Malone said. “There are, however, longstanding challenges noted with this instrument, and there have been several studies conducted demonstrating that there are opportunities for improvement, including in underlying assumptions in data collection strategies as well as reports to the faculty.”
The committee, co-chaired by Professor and Chair of Molecular Genetics Susan Cole and Assistant Vice Provost Alan Kalish, reviewed existing literature and prior Ohio State reports, conducted a review of instruments and best practices developed by peer institutions, sought input from faculty and students and met with representatives of Explorance (the company that administers the current SEIs). A revised instrument, called the Survey of Student Learning Experiences (SSLE), was developed through the process. The SSLE was pilot-tested in the GE Launch Seminar during autumn semester. A larger, opt-in pilot will be conducted in spring semester.
“The committee has done excellent work in rolling out the autumn pilot and preparing for the next round of testing this semester,” Smith said. “We are excited for the progress that has been made and look forward to seeing the spring semester results.”
Opportunity to participate in the spring pilot (Jan. 30 deadline)
The SEI subcommittee of the Council on Academic Affairs is seeking instructors to participate in an opt-in pilot of the new student feedback survey, the Survey of Student Learning Experiences (SSLE). The new instrument is intended to replace the SEI starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Faculty/instructor volunteers are being sought to test this survey in a wide range of courses, across campuses, colleges, disciplines, course levels and modes of instruction. Information gathered in these pilots will be critical to make necessary alterations or updates to the instrument before wider implementation.
Interested instructors should complete the linked survey by Jan. 30 to opt-in to the spring pilot.
Graduate teaching associates are not eligible, and lecturers with short-term appointments and probationary faculty should only participate with the approval of their chair/supervisor.
Questions or requests for additional information can be sent to Alan Kalish at kalish.3@osu.edu or Susan Cole at cole.354@osu.edu.