Student saturation

Recently I sent out my research survey questions to a selected group of students. The Google form was accessible through a tinyurl mailed to the students. It was created attractively to add appeal by using relevant images and colour, and asked for 10 minutes of the students’ time. Like my pilot survey only 2 students responded. However unlike previously, a follow-up note using the mail merge add-on did not elicit more responses. While the subject of my research is related to students’ experiences and many have indicated a keenness to bring change, I'm wondering why the response rate was so poor.

Are senior students saturated by the numerous requests for evaluation, feedback and research participation? Involvement in research is voluntary so they have every right to refrain from participation yet this does have serious implication for a PhD project that hinges on the students' experiences in engaging with the curriculum. 

Perhaps students have become emotionally detached.  Individual achievement and motivation to succeed in the course can override broader concerns such as becoming part of a community of inquiry for change. Timing is a factor that I now recognize as crucial. Final year-end exams and the beginning of a short summer vacation are not conducive to responding to extra requests. I will retry the survey at the start of 2015 when students are refreshed and inspired to face new challenges.

As the link between emotions and affect becomes clearer, I consider alternative strategies to encourage students to feel empowered to act beyond the confines of the designed curriculum.