rationale? diverse student population preference for support style/approach varies across cohort...
DESCRIPTION
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 3TRANSCRIPT
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
