Student Survey Results

I know I promised an analysis of our student surveys, but I still do not have enough responses to make it worthwhile.  Here's what I learned from the low response rate:

• I need to do the survey earlier in the year.  The end of the year is stressful, and students are trying to finish up multiple projects.  Even though it doesn't take long, they don't want to spend the time doing it.
• I need to time the survey to run while there is a big research unit in the library.  Even though I spread the word through the teachers and online, I just didn't get enough responses.  If I run the survey during a research unit, I can ask students to do it during the course of their research--it won't take up much time, and they will already be online.
• I may need to come up with a "reward" for taking the survey.  Perhaps chocolate. After all, I am asking for the gift of time, I could give a gift in return.

I always think I can learn something from any given situation.  Next year, I will be trying to get a better sample from the students for my survey.