Your feedback is an important part of shaping teaching, learning, and the wider student experience. Throughout the year, you’ll be asked to complete surveys about your modules, your course, and life at the university. Many of these surveys include questions that invite you to comment or give your view on an aspect of your student experience. These are a chance to share what’s working well and suggest improvements — but the way you give feedback matters.
What is constructive feedback?
Constructive feedback is feedback that the university can act on. It helps us understand your experience, celebrate what’s going well, and make further enhancements where possible.
Why it matters
By giving constructive feedback in surveys, you help shape your own learning and contribute to positive changes across the university community; it is also a useful transferable skill sought in the workplace.
Giving constructive feedback
Here’s a short video on giving constructive feedback:
When giving feedback, try to make it:
- Respectful – Share your views in a considerate way. Avoid comments based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age.
- Depersonalised – Focus on actions and behaviours, not individuals. For example, “I found the pace of lectures too fast” rather than naming a lecturer.
- Balanced – Include both positives and areas for improvement. Recognising strengths is just as valuable as pointing out challenges.
- Accurate – Keep your comments objective and avoid exaggeration.
Making your feedback clear
To ensure your feedback is understood and useful:
- Be specific – Give examples to illustrate your points.
- Be solution-focused – Where possible, suggest ways your experience could be improved.
- Provide context – Share the circumstances behind your feedback (e.g., “in large group sessions…”), so the university can better understand your perspective.
Things to consider
- Survey responses are anonymous.
- Use clear language so your meaning is easy to interpret (slang or emojis may not always translate well).
- Remember that your comments will be read by the recipient who wants to improve your experience.