Embedded Files
Why is student transition so important?
Why is student transition so important?
We know that the early stages of the student journey are so important in developing a sense of community and belonging; and that these early experiences can shape engagement with the course as a whole. In HWB we piloted an approach to support student transition and the sense of belonging with the aim of improving retention. Here's what has been produced for you to use and adapt if you wish:
What can I do as a course leader to support transition and belonging?
What can I do as a course leader to support transition and belonging?
- Develop a site that students can use before and during their time at Uni
- Create an online community where students can start to get to know each other and you in the run-up to starting the course
- Increase awareness of the course and support studies
- Ensure regular meaningful communication through the online community
- Provide an environment for peer support, mentoring and/or academic advice
How do I support transition?
How do I support transition?
An open access site creates a place for students to find all relevant information surrounding their course and vital information to prepare them for starting University.
It should be accompanied by an interactive community to encourage dialogue and develop a sense of belonging.
That sounds like a lot of work...
That sounds like a lot of work...
Not as much as you think as we've done some of the leg work for you!
We've created a template site for you to copy and then add in the bits that are relevant to your specific course.
The guide to the right of this text (with the green footprints) will walk you through what you need to do to the site to make it relevant to your course course.
Copy the template site and have the guide open alongside it so you know what you need to change.
How do I create a sense of belonging?
How do I create a sense of belonging?
As well as an open access site, we recommend you have an individual Google Community for each intake of your course. This will be a space for students to get to know you and each other as well as a place to encourage regular communication and support about the course. It is important that this is regularly updated throughout the year to keep students aware of what is happening. Students will also be able to post on this page to ask any questions they may have regarding their course.
We are currently looking to pilot this to run alongside the Academic Advisor work that is happening in the Faculty. If you would like advice on how to set-up a community for your course then get in touch and we will support you all the way.
This project is in working progress and is not yet complete, if you are interested please get in touch.
Email: ! HWB TEL
Phone: x3371
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