rationale? diverse student population preference for support style/approach varies across cohort...

Rationale?diverse student population

preference for support style/approach varies across cohort

retention activities must be varied and diverse rather than "one strategy suits all"

provides the "plug in the bath" to prevent unnecessary loss of students

Strategy?

to address retention issues at level 3 across SMS (at risk group)

to provide strategies for academic and pastoral support

to make these applicable to student needs and preferences across level 3

Level 3 in SMS:

significant non-continuation rate

as high as 13% in past

reports of stress-related illness

stress

mature student

articulating student

home student

Why level 3?

- change in exam style- essays replace MCQ- increased expectation- emphasis on understanding- increased workload- increased volume and difficulty of course work- increased pressure- grades actually important now

Action:

2010 - Level 3 retention co-ordinator2011 - Level 3 and 4 retention co-ordinator

Aim?"plug the bath"

What strategies to HELP??!!

Level 3 "meet and greet“

informal meeting with new level 3 students

outline challenges of level 3

details of support and opportunities

informal discussion between staff and students

Starts level 3 off in a positive, interactive way and creates a sense of belonging

Student drop-in session

every Wednesday afternoon

around 300 attendees in 1st term

HUGE variety of issues

Level 3 and 4-specific VLE sites:

provision of tailored supporthints and tips sectionsaccess to support servicesinformationadvertises opportunities discussion boards

Staff questionnaires

Surveyed staff asking:

How did you deal with challenges in 3rd and 4th year?

Collated into master document

Condensed into top 10 tips for level 3 or level 4

Published on VLE

Summary:Flexible & informal methods are designed to lessen the stress associated with level 3 and 4 & provide

support, advice & guidance where required

Holistic approach designed to provide face-to-face, remote & written/resource-based help at a key

time in the UG degree

The future?

Roll out across the Institution….”many plugs for many baths”

Automation…….

Piloting Blackboard Retention Centre ……..

Identifies at risk groups through a variety of criteria