Good practice in student retention: an examination of the effects of student integration on non-completion Project partners: University of Hull, Newcastle University and University of Sunderland (Lead institution) Final Report, October 2011 1 Contents Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Tables .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Figures .................................................................................................................................................. 6 1 Introductory information ................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 Authors of this report ................................................................................................................. 7 University of Hull ........................................................................................................................... 7 Newcastle University ................................................................................................................... 7 University of Sunderland ............................................................................................................. 7 1.2 Staff involved in the project ...................................................................................................... 8 Newcastle University ................................................................................................................... 8 University of Sunderland ............................................................................................................. 8 1.3 Definitions of terms used in this report ................................................................................... 9 1.4 List of acronyms and abbreviations used in this report ..................................................... 11 1.5 Notes on transcription ............................................................................................................. 12 2 Abstract and Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 13 2.1 Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 13 2.2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ 14 3 The context of this research .......................................................................................................... 17 3.1 What Works? Programme common paragraph ................................................................. 17 3.2 What Works? Evaluation topics covered by this project .................................................... 17 3.3 Institutional context .................................................................................................................. 17 3.3.1 University of Hull ............................................................................................................... 18 3.3.2 Newcastle University........................................................................................................ 18 3.3.3 University of Sunderland ................................................................................................. 18 3.4 The changing context of Higher Education and its potential impact on student integration ........................................................................................................................................ 19 3.5 Student groups involved in this research ............................................................................. 21 3.5.1 Local students ................................................................................................................... 22 3.5.2 Part-time students ............................................................................................................ 23 3.5.3 Mature students ................................................................................................................ 23 3.5.4 Engineering students ....................................................................................................... 24 2 4 Aims and objectives of evaluation ................................................................................................ 25 5 Details of interventions and practices evaluated ........................................................................ 26 5.1 University of Hull ...................................................................................................................... 26 5.1.1 Study Skills Summer School .......................................................................................... 26 5.1.2 Mature Student Welcome Lunch .................................................................................... 26 5.1.3 Supervisor contact arrangements (School of Social Sciences) ................................ 27 5.2 Newcastle University ............................................................................................................... 27 5.2.1 The T-shirt exercise ......................................................................................................... 27 5.2.2 Engineering Teams .......................................................................................................... 27 5.3 The University of Sunderland ................................................................................................ 28 5.3.1 The Sandbox Studio (Psychology) ................................................................................ 29 5.3.2 Problem based learning (Psychology) .......................................................................... 29 5.3.3 Field Trips (Tourism) ........................................................................................................ 29 5.3.4 Curriculum related fundraising activities (Childhood Studies) ................................... 30 6 Methodology .................................................................................................................................... 31 6.1 Evaluation methodology ......................................................................................................... 31 6.2 Rationale for use of methodological approaches ............................................................... 34 6.2.1 In-depth interviews ........................................................................................................... 34 6.2.2 Focus groups .................................................................................................................... 34 6.2.3 Surveys .............................................................................................................................. 34 6.2.4 Participant observation .................................................................................................... 35 6.3 Analysis of qualitative data ..................................................................................................... 35 6.4 Analysis of quantitative data .................................................................................................. 36 6.5 Methodological challenges ..................................................................................................... 37 6.6 Evaluation of the project ......................................................................................................... 38 6.7 Ethical considerations ............................................................................................................. 39 7 Key messages ................................................................................................................................. 40 7.1 Overview of key messages .................................................................................................... 40 7.1.1 Key message A: Integration of the social and academic elements of university life is key to the integration of students into the School and wider University community .... 41 7.1.2 Key message B: Early imposition of structures upon students by staff appears effective in giving a sense of continuity and purpose ........................................................... 41 7.1.3 Key message C: Teams and groups working collaboratively on academic tasks enhance their social opportunities ........................................................................................... 41 3 7.1.4 Key message D: Integrating social and academic elements of university life encourages students to build relations with each other and with staff and to engage with the curriculum ............................................................................................................................. 42 7.2 Research findings .................................................................................................................... 43 7.2.1 Background to the research findings ............................................................................. 43 7.2.2 Key message A: Integration of the social and academic elements of university life is key to the integration of students into the School and wider University community .... 48 7.2.3 Key message B: Early imposition of structures