Abstract:

First-year student drop-out rates in higher education institutions (HEIs) across the world are now considered substantially concerning. This unwanted phenomenon has a negative effect on not only the HEIs but also with the loss of the potential graduate contribution to future economic, social and community development. Globally, HEIs are attempting to reduce first-year attrition using a variety of approaches. This paper offers an initial evaluation of an early-stage project that introduced new interventions supporting first-year undergraduate students. Two academic departments at Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) introduced specific additional measures supporting a wider university project - TUS Second Shot, which aims to improve student participation and success rates in the Autumn repeat examination sessions. Following an evidence-based approach, the Heads of Department identified larger cohorts of students needing to repeat in the subject areas of Accounting, Mathematics and Economics. Following a campaign that both encouraged first-year students to undertake the repeat examinations and through offering additional tutorial support, the student module pass rates increased by 41%, 9%, and 20% respectively for the accounting, mathematics and economics subject areas. The evidence suggests that the introduction of additional supports for students increases their likelihood of progressing into their second year.

Keywords:

Student Retention, Student Support and Motivation, Tutoring and Mentoring, Student Success, Assessment of Student Learning.