The results presented in the StudentSurvey.ie Trends Over Time Research 2016-2021 originate from six years of student feedback gathered by StudentSurvey.ie (the Irish Survey of Student Engagement; Suirbhé na hÉireann ar Rannpháirtíocht na Mac Léinn). Offering the same questions each year during this six year period allows us to present national results to understand and explore any changes in students’ perceptions of their experiences and engagement with their higher education institutions. Meaningful change does not happen quickly, and it best happens when based on the results of multiple years of data.
Within institutions enhancements are being made as a result of StudentSurvey.ie, and staff and students are best placed to measure and understand the impact of those enhancements through interrogation of their institutional data because of their understanding of the local context. This research includes case studies from institutions highlighting how they have used StudentSurvey.ie and PGR StudentSurvey.ie to effect change. It is hoped that this body of case studies will continue to grow in order to provide examples and effective practices to support others who are looking to make the most of the valuable dataset StudentSurvey.ie has created.
This research concludes with the contextualisation of StudentSurvey.ie results in Ireland against 10 other countries. Readers may find these analyses of interest and they may spark further research.
This addition to the student engagement discourse in Ireland will stimulate discussion about the trajectory of student engagement developments and their impact over time, as well as provide participating institutions with inspiration and direction for their own analyses and actions.
