Abstract:

Nowadays, we live in a globalised world where we receive huge amounts of information day after day via different networks. Information overload and the ensuing information anxiety prevent university students from absorbing, reflecting upon and viewing from a critical standpoint what they read, see and hear. University, in this sense, provides a great deal of relevant information to students, from the theory and practical classes received throughout their degree course, to endless complementary services and activities that enrich their university life. However, we have noticed that student participation in these activities is dwindling. One particular example of this is the tutorial action plan. This flexible service for students provides them with both academic and personal support and yet participation in this scheme is still scarce. So, where does the real problem lie? Is it in information overload, a lack of interest or the way in which the information is conveyed?

In order to carry out our research, two surveys were drawn up. The first was designed to gather information on the Alicante University students’ perception of the TAP. It was sent to a total of 23,054 students who had enrolled for the academic year 2015/2016 and consisted of 24 questions divided into two main blocks: 1) Students not enrolled in the TAP, the aim of which was to find out what the students who are not in the programme know about the TAP and whether or not they would be interested in enrolling in the future; and 2) Students enrolled in the TAP.
The second survey was sent to the PAT tutors, including Peer Tutors (second or third-year students who offer help throughout the academic year to a student or small group of students in their first year in terms of orientation, learning and integration into university life). This second survey was comprised of 19 questions, divided into two blocks. The first to get to know the tutor profile and their experience in the TAP. And the second block asked for different aspects of the TAP to be assessed, as well as requesting opinions and suggestions for improvement.

We reached the conclusion that what is really happening with the TAP programme is that students have not been well-informed of its existence or its potential, or have only been briefly informed. This type of activities can contribute towards the success of their studies, and yet the students do not receive the information on its benefits satisfactorily. On the other hand and along the same lines, we have also tried to find out what students think is the best way to inform them about the TAP, given the information overload. Surprisingly, they totally rejected ordinary post and even social networks, stating that they prefer, without a doubt, e-mail. Our reflection is that it is necessary to study the best way to convey the information to the students in order to make the effort being made more productive for students, tutors, the programme organisers and the university itself.

Keywords:

Information, student, activities, university, participation, Tutorial Action Plan.