University Student Satisfaction on Classroom Assignments: What Students Really Want

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of this research is to examine what university students expect out of their course assignments. This study explores the relationship between student satisfaction and assignments that build on four basic transferable skills: writing, oral communication, critical thinking, and research. We will also examine how faculty and students differ on the values they place on various course assignments. Surveys will be used to determine which assignments students and faculty think are the most beneficial to learning. Manchester University professors from five classes will be asked for approval to administer questionnaires during their class period. The professor and his or her students will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form and then fill out the questionnaire that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Students will complete questionnaire A and professors will complete questionnaire B. We anticipate finding that student satisfaction increases with the degree to which they perceive course assignments building on one or more of their four transferable skills. The results of this study will provide useful information about course assignments to college faculty.