Die Absolventenbefragung als Methode der Lehrevaluation in der Kommunikationswissenschaft

Surveys among alumni are a common but hardly reflected method of evaluating teaching in communication departments. In light of the increasing significance of evaluation at the universities and the high competition on the job market, it seems advisable to look at this instrument more closely. An advantage of alumni surveys is that they allow to compare directly people’s studies and the requirements of the jobs people hold. In a meta-analysis,19 alumni surveys conducted in German-speaking countries between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed. Differences between the studies at different universities make ex post facto comparisons more difficult. Results show: Graduates from complete journalism programs find jobs especially quickly. In general, practical experience is the most important factor in finding a job. Most respondents would chose their field of studies again if they were given a chance. Future alumni surveys should be coordinated to allow for better comparison and for collecting data representative of the field.