1. Supporting Additional Learning Needs Polly Osborne First Year Experience in Continuing Education 24 -25 April 2006

2. Support …. what? Preparation –for student life –for learning On-going support / guidance –towards independent learning –to help achieve potential

3. Effective Support Appropriate … targeted at specific groups tailored for individuals Timely (right thing at right time)

4. Preparation: Targeted initiatives to ease the transition to HE 1.Mature students - Gateway programme 2.Disabled students - Induction programme

5. Mature students - concerns Time - juggling commitments No recent experience of education Key skills Age – feeling different … Lack of confidence …

6. Mature students as learners (strengths) Motivation Experience Transferable skills Deep approach

7. Southampton Solent University: Gateway to Higher Education Short preparatory programme designed for adults returning to study. Development of key skills Familiarisation with the university environment.

8. Gateway to Higher Education programme: Benefits to university Supports widening participation Eases transition to higher education for non-standard entrants Aids retention of mature students Improves performance of mature students

9. Hallmarks of programme Student-centred Differentiated Run by central Study Assistance team

10. Personal and Academic Development Stage 1 Pre-course activities Communication and Study Skills Information Technology Numeracy Personal and Academic Development Stage 2 Introductory activities Personal and Academic Development Stage 3 Review Gateway study programme Choice of skills units: minimum 1, maximum 3.

11. Four units … Personal & Academic Development –identification of existing skills and learning development needs Communication and Study Skills –learning, writing, presentation, library etc IT –basic skills : email, internet, MS Office Numeracy – b asic maths / statistics

12. Student feedback I feel much more confident about returning to education. It helped me to brush up on skills that I had not used for several years and helped me to think in an academic way. I gained the realisation that I can learn the things I don t yet know and I now have confidence that I can actually do my course!

13. Afterwards Higher rate of retention each year of HE course – Gateway students 30% more likely to complete degree compared with other mature students who did not do Gateway. Overall achievements exceed those of general student population - 8% of ex- Gateway students gained 1 st class degree in 2002, compared to institution total of 4%. Data extracted from Student Record System, Southampton Institute

14. Severely disabled students Have to manage a disability alongside their studies They may also: have limited experience of living independently have communication difficulties fear being isolated Hurdles … but not barriers

15. Induction for disabled students Aim: To help prepare students for university life

16. Induction for disabled students Pilot in September 2005 1.5 days (before Freshers Week) 15 students invited - wide range of disabilities – all attended Existing disabled students helped with planning and delivery

17. Induction programme Included: Managing your disability within a university context Developing interpersonal skills Introductions to key student services at the university Social activities - to build friendships and peer support networks.

18. Benefits to new students Programme provided opportunities to: Settle in to new environment Develop friendships Share concerns and experiences Gain insights into experiences of existing disabled students Build relationships with staff

19. ***** Very positive feedback from students. ***** No drop-outs during Year 1 (as at Easter)! Our conclusions: helped minimise social isolation students better prepared for realities of university life Plans for Disabled Students Induction 2006: 16 – 25 participants programme broadly similar

20. On-going support Study Assistance tutors/advisers available year-round: – skills development – disability support

21. Over to you … Comments? Questions? Your experiences?

22. Supporting Additional Learning Needs Polly Osborne First Year Experience in Continuing Education 24 -25 April 2006