Students who have complex problems that affect their ability to concentrate on their academic work often become disengaged from multiple courses over the course of the semester. If these students are able to be identified, it is often possible to provide appropriate advice to assist students in managing their studies in the context of their broader lives (this may include linking with academic or pastoral/welfare support, reducing study load or event taking a break from studies).
In Semester 2, 2020, The First Year Team in EAIT partnered with the ITaLI Learning Analytics and Learning Technologies Team to utilise blackboard data to identify students in their first year of UQ study who were disengaged from multiple courses at strategic points in semester (Week 4/5 ahead of census date; and week 8 ahead of the mid-semester break). Such students were contacted with a check-in call from an experienced professional staff with student support experience.
This seminar will outline the data-extraction and analysis process used; present some preliminary efficacy data; and discuss some of the limitations of this approach, and how they may be addressed in the future with a more comprehensive strategy to appropriately support students who are struggling in their academic studies.
This seminar will be facilitated by the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) Senior Lecturer and Deputy Associate Dean, Dr Philip Terrill.
About Teaching and Learning Reimagined
Teaching and Learning Reimagined is a series of online events held over three days for the UQ teaching community to learn from one another as we share and discuss innovative teaching practices.
The sessions reflected on the teaching and learning challenges this year has presented with COVID-19 and recognise some of the achievements of our teaching staff. Watch the recordings of the sessions online.