This case study outlines a first-year intervention at SETU Waterford using a timetabled weekly session to tackle common causes of academic failure such as time management, assessment planning. and study skills. It is intended for programme teams seeking practical, low-resource approaches to improving student progression and retention.
This model can be adapted by any course team in a relatively cost-neutral way, without requiring extra staffing.
Course leaders or year heads can set aside some time, however small, to cover practical topics like exam prep, assignment planning, and time management using real, recurring problems rather than generic advice. Picking a high-attendance slot helps engagement.
Programme teams thinking about wider use could trial it with one class group first, then expand it if it is shown to help.
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This resource supports inclusive teacher education through findings from the PREP-In project. It combines student and professional perspectives, placement portfolio insights, co-created classroom vignettes and practical recommendations. Designed for teacher educators, student teachers, school mentors and SEN professionals.
A short animation about barriers to student success in Irish higher education, including financial pressures, travel, workload, isolation, confidence and communication. It considers how these challenges can overlap, and how accessible support, approachable lecturers, counselling, careers guidance, financial assistance, student representation and flexible institutional practices can help.
Published by National Forum T&L.
Credits
Director — Dylan Drea
Producer — Ciara O’Brien
Animation — Robin Bennett, Jack Cahill, Talitha Cole, Dylan Drea, Lumiere Lomingo, Ciara O’Brien, Daniel Ofracio, Tobias Zhang
Compositing — Robin Bennett, Jack Cahill, Dylan Drea, Ciara O’Brien
Sound — Robin Bennett, Dylan Drea
Script — Jack Cahill, Ciara O’Brien, Daniel Ofracio
Voice acting — David Carter, Es McLean
Editing — Jack Cahill, Dylan Drea
Special thanks — Rachel Fitzgerald, Eimhin McNamara, Rebecca Roper, Laura Venables
The Graduate Archive Website is a permanent collection of final year artworks and performances across the MTU Faculty of Creative and Performing Arts and Media.
The Archive showcases all works in full detail, which allows the works to function as high quality research material, and creates a key resource for teaching and learning.
