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 builds upon and extends valuable learning and investment through SATLE 2019. The abrupt and intense necessity to embrace TEL due to the pandemic has brought significant change to learning and teaching at NCAD. The Digital Champions delivered through SATLE 2019 were transformative in supporting staff across the College to exploit the resources available from their particular position in respect of digital competency. At an institutional level, investment in a formal VLE has been prioritised and this investment is in the process of being finalised. SATLE 2020 funding will be immensely valuable in supporting the roll-out of the VLE across the College. Support of this will encompass both central and local elements: a central role in respect of TEL development and coordination, and local supports through Digital Champions. The ‘central’ focus will be on stimulating and supporting understanding “Form-ic Realism”, a recognition that a good translation from one form (face-to-face teaching) to another (blended learning harnessing TEL) requires changed strategies in order to carry the feeling, meaning and value of the teaching and learning experience. The ‘local’ focus will continue to be upon enabling staff to engage effectively with the VLE on the basis of building beyond their existing skill set.




