Activity led learning to improve student engagement and retention in a first year undergraduate programme

摘要

A desire to improve the student academic experience, engagement and ultimately progression, led to the trial implementation of a six-week introductory activity-led-learning (ALL) programme. 100 students from three first year engineering courses, organised into six groups, underwent a series of six Monday – Friday exercises, each assessed on completion. A team of 16 staff delivered the programme. A student survey demonstrated a net improvement in satisfaction compared to a 2006/7 survey, and particular acclaim for ‘activity’, ‘group work’, and ‘teaching methodology’. Indeed, 74% of student indicated a preference for more of this kind of learning. The exercises formed the major part of a core module for which the pass rate, provisionally, is significantly improved on the previous year. Staff identified ‘enthusiasm for competitive elements’ and ‘attendance patterns’ as notable aspects of behavioural engagement. These point to effective elements of this ALL approach that might be replicated elsewhere.