I'm running the Study Advice Service here at UWIC in Cardiff. Similar studies to those mentioned by Helen showed that an important issue in the area of student retention research is that of the need for ownership of effective study skills. Following a survey of UWIC Academic and Support staff a number of different skills were deemed necessary to successfully complete a UWIC course. These skills were then used in the design of a study skills questionnaire that was issued post selection, but prior to enrolment, to all first year students. The areas included IT, reading skills, exam skills, time management, writing skills and listening. The aim was to allow the students to self-assess their levels of competence. Over 450 replies were received, covering 70 different courses.
It's important to note that this diagnostic process was not intended to categorize students but to identify those areas in which we ought to be particularly focussed in delivering embedded Study Skills, both within courses and from the Study Advice Service. We therefore do not have to face the ethical issue raised quite rightly by Muir Houston, as we do indeed offer our Service to all. The labelling is also avoided, but cases do and will arise when tutors feel that individual students may benefit from referral to us, to get extra help.
The Service also works towards collaboration with the Schools in an attempt to iron out some of the difficulties arising within the Schools themselves and more visible to those of us 'on the outside'. We feel that this gives us all a proactive edge. I am reluctant however to dismiss the validity of a 'reactive' service that can rescue a learner in tears at a crucial moment. A help service that fails to help at this stage, because this need should have been covered already, within the School, within the course, is no help at all. No School, no tutor, can achieve it all or deliver it all perfectly and when the embedded mechanism fails, the reaction of a help service 'on the spot' may pull that magic bullet out of a bag.
Ken Cheetham
Learning Development Co-ordinator
Cydlynydd Datblygiad Dysgu
LTSU
Study Advice Room L0.02
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Llandaf Campus
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB
Tel (029) 2041 7222
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-----Original Message-----
From: Helen Danbury [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 20 April 2004 12:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: diagnostic tests
Hello everyone,
My role here at Northumbria is manager of our Study Skills Centre, which is
based in the Student Services Department. Recently, a researcher based in
the department produced a very lengthy report on retention issues, which
makes some recommendations for study skills support in the first year, one
of which is the possibility of giving all new students some kind of
diagnostic test in study skills. I have been asked to suggest ways that
this might be carried out and I would like to ask if anyone on the list
actually does this sort of testing or knows of any institutions that do.
Any ideas?
Helen
Helen Danbury
Study Skills Centre Manager
Student Services Department
Northumberland Building
Northumbria University
0191 243 7645
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