STRATEGIC PROJECT
use case
How IST Achieved More With Less
Leveraging Real-Time Feedback To Implement Education Reforms
Segment
University
Size
11.296 students
Location
Portugal
Name
Duration
Focus area
One thing to know about the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) is they didn’t get to be the largest and leading engineering school in Portugal by being afraid to innovate. Instead, they wholeheartedly embrace it, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional education.
IST is the largest engineering school in Portugal. We are 113 years old. Since the beginning, we have been always trying to push forward innovative ways of teaching.
As the largest engineering school in Portugal, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) is known for its rigorous academic programs and high-achieving students. But even the best institutions face challenges. IST's traditional end-of-semester surveys were long, time-consuming, and often came too late to make meaningful changes. Participation rates were dropping (from 80% to just 60%), and instructors had to wait months to receive feedback, which made it hard to adjust courses and improve the student experience in real time.
Moreover, the feedback process wasn’t capturing all aspects of student life. Key areas like mental well-being and engagement weren’t being addressed—yet, we know they’re just as critical to student success as academic performance.
IST partnered with StudentPulse to revolutionize their feedback system with a real-time, micro-survey platform. By incorporating short, in-class surveys with QR codes, IST could now gather immediate feedback from students during the semester. This change not only reduced the feedback cycle but also improved student participation and engagement.
1. Increased Participation Rates
Since adopting StudentPulse, IST has seen 85% participation rates, a remarkable improvement from the previous 60%. The in-class QR code surveys made it easier for students to engage with feedback, boosting response rates.
2. Real-Time Course Adjustments
Professors can now adjust course content and teaching methods in real time, thanks to immediate student feedback. This quick response time led to more dynamic and responsive teaching, significantly improving student satisfaction.
3. Focus on Student Well-being
For the first time, IST included questions about student well-being. This allowed them to identify students dealing with personal challenges and provide early intervention before issues affected academic performance.
4. Enhanced Teaching Quality
Professors received regular, actionable feedback after each session, helping them refine their teaching strategies. This created a more effective learning environment and increased student engagement.
5. Improved Student Support
By identifying students at risk early—whether due to personal challenges like family issues or financial stress—IST was able to offer personalized support and reduce dropout rates.
"The ability to get real-time feedback from students has been transformative for us. With StudentPulse, we can now adjust courses in real time, improving student satisfaction and engagement while providing timely support to students who need it."
StudentPulse has made a lasting impact on IST’s feedback process. It has improved participation rates, helped professors adjust courses on the go, and provided valuable insights into student well-being. The ability to act quickly on both academic and personal challenges has positioned IST as a leader in student-centered education.
Looking ahead, IST plans to expand the use of micro-surveys across more courses, integrating StudentPulse as a core tool in their ongoing efforts to continuously enhance the student experience.
In the recent webinar with IST, you can hear directly from Carlos Augusto Santos Silva and other key stakeholders about how StudentPulse has helped IST improve student feedback processes and support well-being. Watch the full webinar recording below.
IST’s collaboration with StudentPulse shows how real-time feedback and student well-being insights can completely transform the educational experience. By moving beyond traditional surveys, IST has created a more dynamic, student-centered environment, where feedback leads to continuous improvements in teaching quality and student satisfaction.
Explore StudentPulse and see how we can help transform your student feedback process.
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