Effective use of language for students.

1. NSS Language
Effective use of language for students

2. NSS – What is it?
• The NSS is an annual survey of final year
undergraduate students which takes place
between January and April each year
• Used in KIS, major component of University
League tables and the Institutions Strategic
Plan outcomes.
• Aims to find out how satisfied students are
with specific aspects of their University and
course.

3. Why is language so important?
• Perception is key
– We may have the best facilities in the world but if
the students don’t know how to access them we
will score poorly
– You may have delivered a first class session with
the purpose of improving student presentation
skills but if the students didn’t realise this was
what it was for then we will score poorly.

4. Teaching on my course
1. Staff are good at explaining things*
2. Staff have made the subject interesting*
3. Staff are enthusiastic about what they are
teaching
4. The course is intellectually stimulating
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets

5. Assessment and feedback
5. The criteria used in marking have been clear
in advance
6. Assessment arrangements and marking have
been fair
7. Feedback on my work has been prompt*
8. I have received detailed comments on my
work
9. Feedback on my work has helped me clarify
things I did not understand*
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets

6. Academic Support
10. I have received sufficient advice and support
with my studies*
11. I have been able to contact staff when I
needed to
12. Good advice was available when I needed to
make study choices
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets

7. Academic Support
10. I have received sufficient advice and support with my
studies*
11. I have been able to contact staff when I needed to
12. Good advice was available when I needed to make study
choices
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets
Not necessarily just ASK to a student.
This could mean postgraduate study choices to a student
Make sure it’s really clear during
sessions or appointments how
they can contact us

8. Organisation and management
13. The timetable works efficiently as far as my
activities are concerned
14. Any changes in the course or teaching have
been communicated effectively
15.The course is well organised and is running
smoothly
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets

9. Learning Resources
16. The library resources and services are good
enough for my needs*
17. I have been able to access general IT
resources when I needed to*
18. I have been able to access specialised
equipment, facilities or rooms when I needed
to
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets

10. Personal Development
19. The course has helped me to present myself
with confidence
20. My communication skills have improved
21. As a result of the course, I feel confident in
tackling unfamiliar problems
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets

11. Personal Development
19. The course has helped me to present myself with
confidence
20. My communication skills have improved
21. As a result of the course, I feel confident in tackling
unfamiliar problems
* Denotes question features in the Key Information Sets
This makes up a key part of what we do, but by calling the
session things like – ‘How to present yourself with
confidence’ or even a certificate or acknowledgement that
the student has achieved this
This could mean, written, verbal, visually etc. A documented journey through
their university careers could help students realise they are progressing and
improving. Now – a before Uni and after communication skills questionnaire for
third years
Make sure they know they are tackling unfamiliar problems all the time
- make problem solving activities a clear part of sessions, making
explicit the sorts of unfamiliar problems they may come across and how
they can tackle them e.g. job interviews, funding applications etc.

12. We need you…
• Become familiar with the language and include it
within workshops, appointments,
communication/marketing and events
• Explicitly run workshops called ‘How to improve
your self confidence’ etc.
• Employability – Particular focus on the language
used in Personal Development and Academic
Support Section
• Share progression and improvement with
students – make them feel they are part of the
journey not just a passenger