Why Does Student Satisfaction Matter?

Student satisfaction has increasingly become an important indicator of educational quality. With the recent shift towards performance-based funding, student satisfaction may now become a key performance metric in Australian higher education. Student satisfaction is not just about grades or whether a student liked a class; it reflects how well their expectations for learning are met. Research shows that students who are satisfied with their courses tend to perform better academically. Satisfaction also correlates with student retention, students who are satisfied are less likely to drop out.

Research Focus: Identifying Key Factors Behind High Satisfaction

How can we maximise student satisfaction? This question inspired our qualitative research project, where we explored the learning and teaching practices of subject coordinators in high-performing (high satisfaction) subjects. We conducted interviews with 13 subject coordinators from a single school at an Australian university to uncover the secrets behind their success. Through this process we identified 29 subthemes, grouped into nine key themes.  These themes or practices are closely aligned with five core areas of student engagement. Notably, subject coordinators employed a diverse range of learning and teaching strategies, effectively targeting the many different flavours of student engagement.

How Can I Improve Student Satisfaction in My Subjects?

The key to enhancing student satisfaction starts with understanding the many different flavours of student engagement. Once you have grasped these, the next step is to create your own toolkit of teaching and learning strategies to effectively address these areas and boost student satisfaction. In this blog post, we will share insights from subject coordinators from high-satisfaction subjects, highlighting the practices they used to successfully engage and achieve high satisfaction scores. 

Academic Engagement: Structuring for Success

Academic engagement refers to the essential actions required to achieve minimal learning outcomes, such as attending classes and actively participating. Our study found that structured and standardised learning experiences are crucial for keeping students engaged. Aligning learning objectives with assessments and activities helps clarify the relevance of the content, enhancing students' focus and motivation. Communicating clear expectations about subject requirements and providing rationales for subject delivery, content, and assessment task design at the beginning of the teaching period further encourages engagement by linking tasks to students' academic and career goals.

Strategy: Organise subjects with clear structures and expectations. Provide well-aligned learning activities and assessments to help students see the connection between their efforts and academic success. Offering flexibility in learning formats and choices also supports diverse learner needs.

Cognitive Engagement: Fostering Deep Learning

Cognitive engagement involves the mental effort students invest in their learning. Educators can enhance cognitive engagement by creating intellectually stimulating and meaningful experiences. Our research highlights that offering real-world learning opportunities, through active learning, workshops, and reflective practice, engages students more deeply. When students see the relevance of their learning to their future careers, they are more likely to be motivated and satisfied.

Strategy: Implement active learning strategies and real-world projects that encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge. Provide choices in activities and assessments to foster student autonomy, which research shows boosts intrinsic motivation and satisfaction.

Social Engagement with Peers: Building Connections

Social engagement with peers is essential for building a sense of community and supporting academic success. Our findings show that group assessments and peer learning activities foster collaboration and shared responsibility, which enhance student satisfaction. These interactions contribute to greater academic persistence, motivation, and learning outcomes. However, educators should be mindful of potential challenges in group work, such as unequal contributions and conflicts.

Strategy: Incorporate group projects and peer learning activities into courses. These opportunities not only enhance learning outcomes but also promote social connections, providing students with academic and emotional support. Ensure effective support mechanisms are in place to guide students through the group work process and master group work management skills.

Social Engagement with Staff: Supportive Relationships

Strong student-teacher relationships are foundational to student engagement and satisfaction. Our research emphasises the importance of approachability, authenticity, and availability in fostering supportive teacher-student interactions. When students feel their instructors are accessible and genuinely invested in their success, they are more likely to engage and persist in their studies, which in turn improves overall satisfaction.

Strategy: Build authentic, supportive relationships with students. Be approachable and responsive, and create opportunities for meaningful interactions. A consistent teaching staff that can refine their teaching approaches over time also contributes to student satisfaction by offering continuity and personalised support.

Affective Engagement: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces

Affective engagement involves students' emotional connection to their learning experience. Our study found that creating safe, supportive learning environments through inclusive teaching practices and positive feedback helps students feel valued, fostering emotional safety and a sense of belonging. These practices encourage students to participate actively and feel more engaged in their studies.

Strategy: Ensure that your classroom is a safe space for all students. Use inclusive teaching practices, such as non-judgmental language and empathetic feedback. Foster emotional safety through confidentiality in sensitive discussions and real-time flexibility in teaching strategies.

Take Home Message:

Student engagement is a key driver of student satisfaction. Educators who focus on all five dimensions of engagement: academic, cognitive, social (with peers and staff), and affective, can create a more holistic and fulfilling learning experience. By employing strategies such as clear course design, real-world learning, collaborative activities, and supportive relationships, educators can foster an environment where students feel valued, motivated, and equipped for success. By recognising the many different flavours of student engagement, educators can enhance satisfaction and contribute to a richer, more meaningful educational experience for their students.

Other blog authors:

- Dr Jessica Gill

- Miss Laura Petridis

Reference list

Image source: ChatGTP