Clearing House resource

The Chair - Cumbernauld College

2 June 2009

Summary

Use of a ‘Big Brother’ style chair to elicit student feedback.

Background

The college wanted to engage with their students in a less formal setting and devised a way to solicit student feedback in a much more interactive setting.

Development

The idea originated from working with young people in a hospital - they are sitting in a big chair in a "Big Brother" like setting to make them comfortable talking about various aspects of their experience at the college. The lecturers and other college departments are actively involved.

The format allows for informal questions on a range of topics to be asked in a fun atmosphere whilst at the same time eliciting responses to more formal questions based on their learning experience at the College.

There is a gradual build up to the main event, utilising eye-catching posters and plasma exposure to generate a sense of anticipation.

Effectiveness and impact

To stay in tune with the reality TV format, a short film was made up of the "best bits" and premiered on the College plasma screens. This proved to be a great success, whilst the "serious bits" went forward for consideration at a CPD event for staff.

The Chair press release.

Tags: student feedback, college