Retention and Achievement. Colchester Institute monitors the retention and achievement (within designated programme length) of students using internally produced metrics which provide greater detail than that indicated through HESA statistics and is working to improve both aspects of the student experience. The College is keen to work to HE in FE benchmarks once established through the work of the Mixed Economy Group, and currently provided statistical data for Corporation Board consideration. The College is pleased to follow the advice provided through OFFA that ‘additional’ income might be used to support retention and will be looking to exceed the targets set by the University by evidencing an improvement in retention and progression of 2-4 per cent over three years. In order to effectively pursue such targets, the College will be taking the following steps: ◼ The provision of an HE Centre, at a development cost of over £1.4 million, to support facilitation of an HE Student Community and provide bespoke HE facilities. These will include a ‘one-stop-shop’ for information and advice; quiet and group study areas and social space together with HE teaching space. Many cohorts have less than 20 students in their learning group and therefore students having difficulties can more easily become isolated. The development of family mentoring groups and interdisciplinary activity though the development of the Centre is seen of particular value. This project has been established as a direct response to this need and following discussion with student representatives; ◼ Provision of mobile technologies (Apple iPads) to all first-year students to support a more flexible approach to learning and to meet the need for the increased utilisation of ILT as a means of supporting retention. All students will be supported through Moodle and will be able to access learning materials and activities, participate in personal learning networks and access their own Personal Learning System through the use of this technology. As the College embraces continuing numbers of applications from ‘mature’ students, our awareness of the pressures of additional work, family needs and the tensions of maintaining pace with student activity has developed. The provision of mobile technologies is aimed to support a fundamental change in the way that learners interact with their peers, tutors and develop their own personal learning network both within and beyond the College; ◼ Provision of a Pebblepad Learning System for each ...
Retention and Achievement. Colchester Institute will be extending the provision of wireless connectivity across the campuses to support the mobile technologies (Apple iPads) issued to all first year students to support a more flexible approach to learning and to meet the need for the increased utilisation of ILT as a means of supporting retention. Support will be provided by a pre-registration study skills diagnosis and on programme personal development planning, reflexivity and activity that underpins ‘My Next Step’. The establishment of study skills support needs prior to arrival at the College will enable a more effective tutorial and learning support process at a time that is often found very daunting for those from a widening participation background.
Retention and Achievement. The restated PIs show a small improvement on past attainment rates, however Fife College has taken steps to improve both Retention and Achievement. A recent restructure has allowed the College to focus on areas that will support the students during their learner journey, with new processes being developed to inform relevant staff of students who are in danger of withdrawing and to allow for early intervention to provide support and guidance. Withdrawal Action Plans were designed and implemented across College at the end of Academic Year 2016/17, with action planning revised in November 2017 in light of early withdrawal data. As part of the Action Planning development, cross college engagement has taken place ensuring that Professional Service areas are working closely with Curriculum to streamline and tighten up key processes. Statistical data shows signs of improvement in most areas with targeted action now specifically directed at remaining areas of concern. An improved Curriculum Planning approach is also being adopted to support improved planning and decision making using key data sets, including PIs trends, benchmarking and targets setting. This will allow for Curriculum redesign where required, ensuring the portfolio is meeting socio-economic needs.
Retention and Achievement
