Top Drawer Teachers

Good survey questions

Students can find it difficult to write survey questions that will result in reliable and credible data.

Teachers can help students by:

  • providing multiple opportunities for students to explore questions written for surveys

  • discussing the type of data different questions generate

  • discussing if the data generated from the questions provide the information necessary to answer the questions

  • providing opportunities for them to write survey questions
    (they can trial questions in a pilot survey to determine if the data generated are useful in answering the purpose of the survey)

  • discussing the various types of questions to avoid. The SurveyMonkey website lists some tips for effective and relevant questions.