A personal tutor scheme to enhance student retention and improve success

Student retention and continuation are key drivers for this project. These are both focus areas for the university at all levels of study and have particular significance on level 1 modules.  High levels of retention can be hard to achieve at level 1, as for many students this is their first experience of distance learning or study with the OU. They are also arriving with a broad range of previous experience and very different lengths of time away from formal study. This is evident on MST124 (Essential Mathematics 1), a large level 1 module that provides maths tuition to students on a broad range of qualifications, both within and outside Mathematics and Statistics. As a result, it attracts students from a particularly diverse range of educational backgrounds who benefit from a broad variety of available support.

The tutor group system offers a high level of support for students, and for many students this is sufficient for them to successfully complete their level 1 modules. For some students however, increased support may help them continue with their studies and achieve a successful completion.

Project Aims:

1. To provide additional support to students needing it by offering a "personal tutor" using module tuition hours. Development of process for student referral (self-referral and from AL) and record keeping by PTs. Ongoing monitoring of topics covered by PTs. Mechanism for sharing of expertise and experience amongst PTs to promote best practice 

2. To evaluate the impact of this pilot. Comparison of student retention and success between those using the scheme and those with similar academic prior performance not doing so. Student perceptions and experiences explored through focus groups and questionnaire 

3. If successful, to develop a model for such provision in other modules within maths and statistics and potentially more broadly