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The Gwen Vander Velden Value Model:
VALUE Programme – Background Information The aim of the VALUE Programme is to give academic support to students who are at risk of failure or of under performing, and enable them to fulfil their academic potential. The VALUE programme supports students in developing the knowledge and skills necessary for successful completion of Stage I and transition to Stage II. Last year, one third of participating students achieved Merit or Distinction at Stage I level, and for two years in succession the Programme has achieved 97% success rate in terms of retention in Higher Education. This success has been achieved by the combination of expertise in subject disciplines, study and key skills, and by the enthusiasm and commitment of staff and students. The Programme has attracted national interest as a model of good practice in student retention. For further information please contact Jan Sellers, Senior Tutor. Programme Content The Programme includes: • Subject-specific seminars and 1:1 guidance • Educational guidance for students who are unsure of their way forward or whose results require/suggest a change of programme • 1:1 advice, and referral to other sources of support, where students have difficulties with their studies due to factors such as health, family or relationship crises, finances, disablement issues • Last-minute adaptive arrangements for exams, where the recruitment process for the Programme reveals student difficulties of which the University was previously unaware • Academic support including revision classes, one to one tutorials and remedial work; preparatory work for Stage II. • Key skills development including negotiation skills, problem solving, team building, maths support, IT (all students have the option of free registration for the European Computer Driving Licence) • Study skills development including revision and exam strategies, concentration and memory, academic writing, time management, presentations, critical thinking. • Social networking and social development including confidence building, opportunities for peer support, team activities, stress management, options including Student Representative training, registration for Kent Volunteer Certificate, T’ai Chi, Yoga, Creative Arts, sports. Participating Departments: Each participating department has nominated a Liaison Tutor to co-ordinate between the UELT/VALUE team and the departmental tutors teaching on the Programme. Communication via the Liaison Tutors facilitates: • targeting revision needs • advice to study-skills tutors on key aspects of examination needs • support and advice to students during results’ week • results interpretation advice • re-sit support • timetabling of introductory sessions for Stage II study. Students on VALUE have been selected after an initial one-to-one interview for each applicant. The selection process took into account students’ academic needs, commitment to study and commitment to all aspects of the VALUE Programme. The final selection of students was decided by participating departments. Programme Schedule: The VALUE Programme is delivered in three key phases: Phase A (April – May): This two week phase prepares students for Stage I exams. It provides subject specific teaching time in core academic subjects as well as workshops on study skills areas such as revision techniques and examination strategies. Phase B (Results’ Week June, with further guidance until re-sits in August [at Canterbury, dates to be confirmed in conjunction with Results’ Week for different departments/faculties]): This is timetabled around the publication of Stage I results. The emphasis in workshop sessions is on the development of key skills: team-building, problem solving and negotiation skills. Students are offered structured support and advice on dealing with the outcome of their results. For students who cannot attend Phase B on campus support and advice is offered by telephone and e-mail. Where necessary support is given up to the time of re-sits. Phase C (September): A one-week transition into Stage II study. The focus in this final phase is on equipping students with the confidence and study strategies to deal with transition into Stage II. Seminars introducing students to Stage II core modules will enable them to re-engage with their programme of study. |