Retention: a Focus on People not Numbers

In higher education (HE), attrition is complex and is persuasively described as a ‘wicked problem’ (Beer and Lawson, 2017) for which, there is an abundance of quantitative data. However, this kind of data analysis only identifies students, it does not tell their story or tell you what support they may need. Within the School of Sport and Exercise Science (SSES) at the University of Worcester (UW) we have been aiming to engage vulnerable students, to maximise their potential in their academic programmes and minimise course attrition. A multi-faceted approach has been used in identifying, supporting and motivating these students in order to increase their attendance, engagement and academic performance. Focusing on people rather than numbers has had a positive impact on attrition. At UW this involved email attendance protocols, personal academic tutor support, student-centred action planning and reassessment support. The processes and conversations have brought to light a surprising plethora of reasons as to why students do not engage in their studies. This mirrors the complexity of the situation that HE institutions find themselves dealing with. Reflecting that one solution does not fit all, but having a toolbox of solutions can make a difference to student attrition.