Retaining students
The issue
20% of students in higher and 15% of students in further education do not complete their studies according to a National Audit Office report.
Low retention rates not only reflect a negative picture of the student learning experience, but institutions affected are liable to lose valuable government funding.
What you can do
Our research shows that the effective use of technology in learning and teaching enhances the overall experience of students, essential for boosting retention rates.
We’ve identified key points on the student journey where employing digital technologies can help to enhance your students’ experience.
Help them to make the right choice
Learners are more likely to prosper if they are suitably matched to their course and institution. Open educational resources are a way to share sample materials and lectures freely online and are a great way to help students make an informed decision.
Prepare them for the study environment
Learners are more like to acclimatise to their new institution if they have a realistic expectation of the study environment. Our radio show explores how some universities and colleges are now introducing students to the role of digital technologies in their studies from day one.
Start as you mean to go on
A number of institutions are focusing on the first year as key to supporting student retention. Our guide looks at the retention methods employed by three universities.
Speak their language
With mobile already embedded into the everyday lives of students, many institutions are tapping into these technologies and integrating them into their learning and teaching.
- Student engagement and retention: enhancing the student experience through the use of mobile devices
Support their digital development
Despite an often presumed level of digital literacy, many learners enter further and higher education lacking the skills needed. Ensuring students are supported in developing their digital literacy maximises their chances for overall satisfaction.
Work in partnership with students
Learners are more likely to prosper if they have a stake in designing their own learning experiences. Our guide discusses ways to work in partnership with students and includes a number of case studies.
Monitoring progress
Institutional use of digital technologies is not restricted to teaching and learning. Effective management of activity data - for example, tracking an ‘at risk’ student’s failure to log in to key services - could also have a significant impact on student retention rates.