A practical exploration of the Study Skills Portal

The University’s Study Skills Community of Practice was formed in October 2023, to develop, update and maintain the Study Skills Portal, and to facilitate the wider sharing of practice in study skills teaching across the institution. We recognise the value of these skills in enabling students to make a successful transition to university (Perander et al., 2021), and the role this can play in supporting retention, continuation and attainment (Kimbark et al., 2017). This is particularly important at Worcester, with our diverse student body and commitment to a whole-institution approach to widening participation (University of Worcester, 2024a). Our work equally aims to address the changing needs of students post-Covid, which have been observed both at the University and internationally (Center for Education Policy Research, 2023; Wiley, 2022), with students no longer starting university feeling confident in core academic skills.

This workshop will explore the role of study skills support, starting from pre-arrival, in enabling student belonging and retention, considering how the portal and other approaches can support students as they begin their transition to Higher Education. We will focus on the role of the portal as a tool for PATs, as they guide students throughout their studies. We will share practical tips for integrating the portal, including PAT-prescribing, informed by our SAP project research in 2023/24, and facilitate discussion about the most effective ways in which study skills can be embedded in the students’ academic journey. Participants will gain practical tips for integrating study skills in their own teaching, through scenario-based learning and case studies.