1. Supervison: connecting at a distance
ODL Masters programmes, SPSW

2. Background
4 ODL masters programmes in Public and Social Policy; Public Administration and Management
2 years, part-time
Recruiting 80 + per year= 160 students
Students: Mid-career professionals, diverse educational backgrounds
50 countries (40% UK)
Dedicated staff team: (management, admin, recruitment, programme leadership, teaching, technical, supervision): 4.3

3. Approach Social constructivist pedagogy Student-centred
Interactive teaching
Structured, pro-active supervision

4. Results High retention (85-90%) Low failure rate
PTES results for York:
Distance learners are ranked 3rd of 74 HEIs with a score of 93% on overall satisfaction
PTES for SPSW
Retention: (86%), 1st
Assessment: (85%) 2nd

5. Supervision practice
Timetabled contact points
eFolios
Academic support

6. Recently tried additional practices - and their limits
Year 1 review with students - student-led reflection on year 1 assessments and feedback, strengths and weaknesses
More proactive support for ‘struggling’ students ahead of decisive assessments
Use of personal study plan at start of studies as foundation for an open discussion of likely challenges
Virtual office hour (considered)

7. Any questions or points?
Jane Lund Enrico Reuter