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Feedback is gathered from participants in NZSSN courses and activities, in order to show where improvements could be made. For the 2007 summer programme short courses, full course evaluations were completed by all participants. In summary, the evaluations were very positive, with suggestions for improvement mainly relating to the facilities and/or teaching rooms used for the courses. Descriptions of the courses and some of the data from the course evaluations are presented below.
In February 2007, 3 five-day short courses were offered at the School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington. The move was made after a number of evaluations/enquiries asking for courses to be run in Wellington. The courses were on the following topics. INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS 1216 February 2007 An introductory course in statistical methods with an emphasis on statistical techniques applicable to the social sciences, and focusing on concepts rather than mathematical theory. USING MIXED METHODS IN RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION 1923 February 2007 An introductory-level course intended for current and emerging researchers who want to know more about using both qualitative and quantitative methods in their research activities. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH TECHNIQUES 1216 February 2007 An introductory course consisting of lectures and practical workshops, designed for those with no background in research or with no previous experience with qualitative techniques of data collection and analysis. COURSE EVALUATIONS OVERVIEW The results presented below have been aggregated across the courses; the responses from each were very similar on most points. Course participants were asked why they chose to do the course specifically with regard to what their motivation was in improving their research skills. The results from this are shown graphically below.  Along with this, participants were asked what area they were employed in.  Critique of course presenters The participants were asked to judge the performance of the course presenters on four aspects using a 10-point scale with 1 = poor and 10 = very good. The aspects, and mean scores for each, were: course organisation (8.5) knowledge of the subject matter (9.6) presentation of course material (8.1), and responsiveness to participants needs/questions (9.3). Critique of course amenities The participants were asked to judge the quality of the amenities and support that were provided during the course, again using a 10-point scale. The variables examined, and mean scores for them, were: morning and afternoon teas (7.2) teaching rooms (6.9) computing resources (8.3), and course schedules and timetable (7.6). Course evaluations provide helpful feedback that is used to attempt to improve subsequent activities. The 2007 feedback showed again that the facilities and teaching rooms were the lowest scoring and improvements must continue to be made. NZSSN is already discussing host venues and highlighted lessons learnt from previous years. So we expect the next summer programme we'll get it spot on!!
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