Session Outline

In Higher Education, the centrality of information in shaping student outcomes is undeniable, especially with the Office for Students’ minimum threshold expectations relating to registration condition B3. So, what do we actually mean by information?

With the amount of data accompanying students throughout their academic journey, the question arises: how can institutions distinguish vital information and leverage it to enhance student success? The answer lies in understanding the factors contributing to both success and challenges. By deciphering this information, targeted and personalised strategies can be developed, allowing institutions to implement programs that provide specific support, thereby increasing overall retention rates. The transformative power of data, when harnessed ethically, emerges as a central theme in creating a learning environment that consistently supports the success of all students in Higher Education.

A shared approach to analysis, conducted in partnership with students, empowers individuals to take responsibility for their academic needs. Simultaneously, educators gain valuable insights for making informed decisions about interventions or broader support measures which actively address challenges (Harrison and Waller, 2017). This approach is essential in fostering resilience and encouraging students to actively engage in their own development.

This presentation:

• seeks to unravel the multifaceted nature of information surrounding students by considering the why, what and how of collecting data about students.
• will address how personal and academic tutors can utilise data to effectively support students and identify those who may be at risk of falling behind or dropping out.
• explores the work of Laycock and Wisdom (2009) around the key role that tutors/academic advisors have in terms of retention and how ‘knowing more is knowing better’.

The audience will be asked to consider their own institutions and how data is stored and shared to ensure that we focus on solutions which will enhance students’ personal and academic success, thus enriching their university experience. The presenter will invite feedback via a discussion and an online survey from the audience on a ‘developing’ micro module exploring effective use of student data to improve outcomes.