Surveys are:

• a consistent way to collect data on experiences, opinions, and motivations
• flexible tools for gathering qualitative and quantitative data from groups of any size.

Survey data:

• can be obtained through a range of formats (online or paper)
• can reflect wider trends if enough people respond
• should be gathered consistently to support analysis of patterns and trends.

Surveys can be used to:

• measure the impact of curriculum implementation (for example staff confidence or readiness)
• complement interviews or focus groups by showing broader trends
• assess staff understanding of curriculum changes
• track changes over time.

Surveys work best when:

• there’s a culture of trust and cooperation
• respondents need to review documents or processes to respond to questions
• questions are clear and easy to understand
• quick feedback is needed.

• Write clear, purposeful questions tailored to your respondents
• Test the survey with a few respondents first
• Keep surveys short and well-timed to boost response rates
• Consider the use of focus groups for more complex questions requiring detailed responses

• Identify your target respondents and sample size
• Use user-friendly platforms like Microsoft Forms or Google Forms
• Keep surveys short, clear, and free of jargon
• Inform respondents of the purpose of the survey, time needed, and how data will be used
• Use plain language and avoid acronyms
• Avoid emotive language that leads respondents to responses
• Structure questions to reduce bias (for example broad before specific, personal questions last)
• Include timeframes for memory-based questions (for example 'in the last 3 months')
• Add visuals or links to provide context
• Balance answer choices by using a mix of formats – like multiple choice, star ratings, and open-ended questions
• Ensure there are enough response options to capture a full range of views, such as using a Likert scale where appropriate
• Complete the survey with a thank you and contact details for respondents to seek additional information

Duplicating a sample survey

• Open the survey by selecting on the shared survey links – select 'duplicate it’ to make a copy.
• Once duplicated, you can select on any part of the survey to edit the questions to suit your context.

Editing questions

• To remove a question, select on it, and select the garbage bin ‘delete question’ icon.
• To add a question, select on the previous question to reveal the ‘+ insert new’ button.

Collecting responses

• Once you have edited your survey, select ‘collect responses' to access options to distribute the survey.
• Inform respondents of the purpose of the survey, closing date and protocols for data confidentiality.

Viewing results

• Results can be accessed in Microsoft Forms. Open the survey and select the ‘responses’ tab to analyse your data, either directly in Forms, or ‘open in Excel’.
• Please note, accessing the survey via the link you share with respondents will not give you access to the responses.