Case Study: University of Mary Washington reduces surprises in course evaluations with Explorance Bluepulse

Using Formative Feedback to Improve the Classroom Experience

The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA wanted to improve the classroom experience by gathering formative feedback throughout the semester. It turned to Explorance and its Bluepulse student feedback system to give instructors a better way to hear from students before end-of-semester course evaluations.

With Bluepulse, Explorance helped UMW collect anonymous feedback through quick polls and open-ended comments from mobile devices and the learning management system. The university said the tool reduced surprises on course evaluations, made end-of-semester feedback more substantive, gave quieter students a voice, and increased engagement. UMW first deployed Bluepulse in 17 course sections and was planning at least 16 more.

University of Mary Washington

Taiwo Ande

Assistant Provost for Institutional Analysis and Effectiveness