The purpose of this chapter is to provide suggestions for designing and using surveys for assessment. Included are guidelines for constructing effective surveys as well as suggestions for how different types of surveys can meet the various assessment needs of a department. A comprehensive assessment plan provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and alumni to express their perceptions of a course or program. Accrediting bodies frequently ask departments to provide input from students and alumni.
Surveys are an excellent way of collecting such information.
A survey can be locally constructed or purchased. It can be designed for specific groups such as students in a particular course, or alumni of the program. Surveys can be one page or several pages. They can be given in class or mailed. A variety of information can be obtained from a survey, as illustrated in the checklist below.