Student success at college is not just achieving high grades The National Forum for Teaching and Learning defines student success as the process by which students fulfil their potential and flourish at college and in society. This is a broader activity than simply achieving high grades. Psychosocial competencies are core to the definition of student success: these are the ‘soft skills’ or ‘non-cognitive skills’ that enable students to cope well with learning challenges, engage deeply in learning, and develop their identities as learners and as active citizens. Transitions are a key issue within this priority area, with transitions such as the move from school to college presenting both challenges and opportunities for students.
About this initiative
This initiative is designed specifically in response to student feedback. It utilises the feedback themes outlined below from Waterford Institute of Technology survey data (studentsurvey.ie 2013-2020, QA3 2017-20) to target an area for improvement, to clearly demonstrate that the Institute is listening and acting on student opinions. A core element of the initiative is the use of data analytics to identify students at risk plus measure intervention impact.
• Teaching and Learning Theme:
Effective Teaching Practices and Learning Strategies (studentsurvey.ie) This initiative will deliver a sustainable support infrastructure informed by data analytics to identify first year students who are at risk of leaving their programmes. The delivery of supports will be in small groups and enabled by academic staff, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers.
• Learning environment:
Supportive Environment (studentsurvey.ie) This initiative will, in a very targeted and practical way, provide a supportive learning environment for first year students. The small team approach plus the use of both face-to-face and online support will facilitate learner participation.
• Student-Faculty Interaction and Quality of Interactions (studentsurvey.ie)
This scheme will facilitate student interaction with a range of faculty in the School including academics, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students.
• Engagement:
Effectiveness of communication (QA3) The initiative targets those in most need of support with an emphasis on enhancing communication with students. An engagement co-ordinator will meet with students identified through the use of analytics on a regular basis over the semester. These meetings will facilitate discussions on subject engagement but also enable a broader discussion on student needs.
Lead organisations
Affiliated organisations
Linked open educational resources
Initiative details
Funding programmes SATLE
Themes Student Success
Award year
2020Funding amount (€)
19422Contributors
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