Chapter 9: Everyone Matters: How Targeted Contextualised Study Support Increases Continuation Rates

The authors’ university is recognised for its positive social inclusion/mobility, attracting non-traditional learners who struggle with traditional didactic pedagogy. The first year of undergraduate study represents a major student transition and the authors’ highest student non-continuation rates. To remove barriers and positively impact the student experience, the authors report a programme of contextualised study support for undergraduate science students ‘at risk’ of non-progression. Through a series of supportive meetings and the use of solution-focused coaching models, a personalised study support plan is co-constructed and evolves over the support period. This collaborative approach enhances students’ sense of ‘mattering’. The authors record various supported learner characteristics that correlate with attainment and progression data annually. Since the support programme inception in 2019, faculty continuation rates have increased. Affected learners report increased confidence with independent learning and praise how interventions are personalised to their needs.