Overview
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Nottingham Trent University played a key role in shaping StREAM’s foundational design, focusing on risk assessments based on student activities rather than personal attributes.
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The university also participated in the OfLA (Onwards from Learning Analytics) project to explore effective student interventions using learning analytics.
- The OfLA project was ‘designed to deal with the challenge of acting meaningfully upon learning analytics or other early warning systems to support inclusion and student success’.
The challenge
- Nottingham Trent University recognised that each student’s engagement is unique, influenced by various factors such as prior educational experiences and the university environment.
- The challenge was to create meaningful, personalised support model that could adapt to the diverse needs of students, particularly those at risk of disengaging.
‘Despite everything happening in the world, I wasn’t forgotten about or abandoned by uni.’
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The call… ‘motivated me to start getting back into my studies’.
Nottingham Trent University’s approach
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NTU’s approach emphasises the use of student engagement data to guide interventions and support.
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The university implemented a core algorithm within StREAM to assess student engagement and used automated alerts for early intervention.
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Various support mechanisms were developed, including coaching calls and targeted outreach based on student activity.
The impact
Interventions and alerts
The interventions at NTU, including automated alerts and proactive outreach, have improved student engagement and re-engagement, particularly during critical periods like the COVID-19 lockdown.
Data transparency
The university’s approach to data transparency and targeted support has led to greater student trust and more effective student outcomes, though the effectiveness of interventions varies based on multiple factors.
Holistic approach
Nottingham Trent University’s use of StREAM has highlighted the importance of a whole-institution approach to student support, integrating data-driven insights with personalized interventions.
Proactive support
The university continues to refine its strategies, focusing on balancing student autonomy with the need for proactive support, aiming to maximize student success through targeted, timely interventions.
