Retention Workshop
University of Sussex 17th September 2004

The issue of student retention is becoming increasingly important in the university sector. It is a complex issue and strategies to improve retention are not always easy to devise or to implement. Computing disciplines often seem to have a particular problem with retention. Is this due to specific characteristics of the discipline itself? Is it something to do with the background of the students choosing to study these subjects? Or is the key problem something completely different? This one day event at the University of Sussex will investigate the factors causing students to leave and will offer practical approaches to improve student retention.

Attrition and Retention in CS

A preliminary survey of attrition and retention in CS departments in the UK has been conducted by LTSN-ICS and the CPHC Learning Development Group.

A short early report is here: (PDF) The survey questionnaire is still live, and we encourage further reponses.

Notes: Comments on the pre-report are welcomed. A lot of good practice has been noted. A series of workshops will develop this, and produce a fuller, more authoritative report.

Please contact Roger Boyle (CPHC) or Sylvia Alexander (LTSN) with any queries or problems.

Accessibility & Widening Participation

Widening participation was originally linked to under-represented groups such as mature students and students with special needs, however it more recently relates to the enrolment of younger students from disadvantaged backgrounds (Yorke & Thomas, 2003). The current government target is that by 2010 the participation of 18-30yr olds in higher education reaches 50%.

Widened participation embraces not only the enrolment of students from under-represented groups but also their successful completion of their course. There is an increasing recognition that as the groups of students entering higher education are changing then so the institutions have to change in order to meet the needs of these 'new' students.

Action on Access

Action on Access is the national co-ordination team appointed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Learning & Skills Council (LSC) to support their Widening Participation (WP) strategies for England. The team also supports the Department of Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland (DELNI) in Widening Participation.

Strategic Partnerships
Action on Access has also established strategic partnerships with the National Disability Team and the Learning and Teaching Support Network. A joint website with the National Disability Team has been created at www.inclusion.ac.uk

Principles for Good Teaching and Learning Practice in Higher Education

1. Encourages Contact between Students and Faculty
2. Develops Reciprocity and Co-operation among Students
3. Encourages Active Learning
4. Gives Prompt Feedback
5. Emphasises Time on Task
6. Communicates High Expectations
7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning

Source: adapted from Chickering & Gamson (1987)