Surveying university student standards in economics

Economic Papers (Economic Society of Australia), June, 2005 by Peter Abelson

Section B addressed the standards of work achieved by first- and third-year undergraduates and Masters by coursework students. To assess standards, respondents were asked to use the following guidelines.

* Very good--a high distinction or distinction standard of work, 75 out of a 100

* Good--a credit standard of work, 65-74 out of a 100

* Satisfactory--work that is worth 50-64 out of a 100

* Poor--work that is worth 40-49 out of a 100

* Very poor--work generally below 40 out of a 100

Respondents were asked to judge the percentage of students in each of these five categories and whether standards had changed over the last ten years. They were also asked whether their answers were based on general experience or specific evidence.

Section C sought to determine the major factors that influence the standards achieved by the various categories of students. The questionnaire sought responses on eight or nine potential factors in each case (for example, entry standards, linguistic ability, faculty resources, and so on) and provided respondents with the opportunity to describe other factors that might affect standards. The questionnaire also asked respondents if departments have adopted special strategies to achieve desired standards.

Section D sought views on policies for the maintenance or improvement of standards at the various student levels. The questionnaire provided some ten possible policies for each student group (including various accreditation and review procedures) and provided respondents with the opportunity to describe other policies.

Section E asked respondents for comments on standards of work achieved, determining factors, and possible strategies for Honours and PhD students.

Throughout the survey, respondents were invited to provide additional comments either to clarify their quantitative answers or to provide additional qualitative material that was not explicitly asked for in the questions. These additional comments added considerably to the richness of the responses (see Economic Society of Australia, 2004).

A critical feature of the survey was the pledge of confidentiality. The Society told respondents that only the President, Secretary, and Administrator of its Central Council and three independent university professors, who would review the draft report for accuracy and quality, would view the responses. In addition, the draft report was circulated before publication to all respondents to ensure that none were misquoted and that no individuals or institutions were identified in the report. Respondents were told that the final report would become a public document.

3 Summary of Results of Survey

3.1 Economic Students and Staff Numbers

Most economics departments have over 1000 first-year undergraduate students and nearly all have over 500 students. In third year, there are usually fewer than 500 economics students and the median number is between 100 and 199.

International students typically constitute over 30 per cent of all students in all levels of economics studies, except in Honours degrees. The proportion of international students tends to be highest in first-year undergraduate studies and in PhD studies.