By Shahabuddin Amerudin
Introduction
The SBEG3583 Course Evaluation Survey, conducted at the end of Semester 2 in the 2022/2023 academic session, yielded valuable insights from students about their experiences in the GIS Software System course. This analysis delves into the findings and provides recommendations for improving the course based on both the quantitative data and qualitative comments from respondents.
Knowledge Gained
Students’ enthusiastic acknowledgment of the specific knowledge and skills acquired during the course underscores the practical value of the curriculum. One respondent mentioned, “I know how to use some Software that I’m not familiar with before this, such as ArcGIS Pro, Mapinfo Pro.” This demonstrates the course’s effectiveness in expanding students’ technical toolkit. To further enhance this aspect, integrating more real-world scenarios in practical applications could deepen students’ practical understanding.
Teaching and Learning
Feedback regarding teaching methods offers valuable insights for improvement. Respondents’ suggestions such as “Do interactive slides and make them simpler for better understanding” and “Implement more graphics like mind maps, pictures, and figures in lecture slides” point to a desire for more engaging and visually impactful instructional materials. By implementing these suggestions, instructors can address various learning preferences and enhance content retention.
Teaching Evaluations – Assessments
Respondents’ perspectives on assessments provide useful direction for refinement. One respondent emphasized the value of solving real problems in assessments, stating “The assessment can be evaluated on solving the real problem, rather than theoretical in-lecture topic.” This underscores the importance of linking assessments to real-world applications. By aligning assessments more closely with practical challenges, the course can better prepare students for future GIS-related tasks.
Teaching Methods in Lecture, Lab, and Excursion
Respondents’ suggestions for teaching methods underscore the potential for enhancing engagement. One respondent suggested incorporating gamification elements, stating, “Incorporate elements of gamification, like GIS-related challenges or scavenger hunts, to make learning more interactive and enjoyable.” Gamification can inject enthusiasm into the learning process and promote active participation. Additionally, comments about field trips highlight the need for stable GPS accuracy and application usability, indicating areas for improvement in future excursions.
Overall Experience
Students’ overall positive experiences provide a strong foundation to build upon. Respondents’ desire for “more lab work that contributes to GIS SOFTWARE” and the suggestion to “improve the student understanding of the course” through increased industry excursions offer concrete areas for enhancement. By incorporating additional practical exercises and industry insights, the course can foster a more comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience.
Recommendations for Improvement
1. Enhanced Interactive Learning Materials: Develop interactive slide presentations and simplify them for improved clarity. Graphics like mind maps, images, and figures can be integrated to enhance visual understanding.
2. Real-World Application in Assessments: Revise assessments to focus on real-world problem-solving scenarios, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.
3. Gamification for Engagement: Incorporate gamification elements, such as challenges and quizzes, to promote interactivity and enhance student engagement.
4. Strengthen Excursions: Ensure stable GPS accuracy and usability in field trip applications, addressing the practical challenges faced during excursions.
5. Increased Practical Exposure: Integrate more lab work and industry excursions to provide hands-on experience and deeper insights into GIS applications.
6. Practical Application Emphasis: Highlight the practical applications of GIS software systems in lectures, labs, and assignments to align learning with real-world contexts.
Conclusion
The SBEG3583 Course Evaluation Survey provided valuable insights for enhancing the GIS Software System course. Respondents’ suggestions offer clear direction for improvement, including interactive learning materials, real-world assessments, gamification, strengthened excursions, increased practical exposure, and an emphasis on practical applications. By implementing these recommendations, the course can offer an enriched learning experience that equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for their future pursuits in GIS.
Please note that this analysis and the set of recommendations are derived from insights presented in the articles available at https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6784 and https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6786.
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). Elevating SBEG3583 2023: Student Perspectives and Recommendations from Semester-End GIS Course Survey. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6790 (Accessed: 30 August 2023).