Improving Student Retention in Postgraduate Distance Education at the University of London The Centre for Financial and Management Studies: a Case Study

Motivation for the Research The Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS) offers distance learning postgraduate programmes through the University of London External Programme to over 1600 students in 150 countries. CeFiMS students study using ‘traditional’ distance learning methods (logging on to a Virtual Learning Environment to access materials, and working with an online tutor and administrator). In a recent statistical exercise exploring the time taken for students to complete their studies, the results showed higher rates of withdrawal and much lengthier completion times than anticipated Only 30% of students starting in 2005 having completed within 3 years. Could this be improved? How?

The Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS) offers distance learning postgraduate programmes through the University of London External Programme to over 1600 students in 150 countries.

CeFiMS students study using ‘traditional’ distance learning methods (logging on to a Virtual Learning Environment to access materials, and working with an online tutor and administrator).

In a recent statistical exercise exploring the time taken for students to complete their studies, the results showed higher rates of withdrawal and much lengthier completion times than anticipated

Only 30% of students starting in 2005 having completed within 3 years.

Could this be improved? How?

Definition of terms Distance Education: is all teaching-learning arrangements in which the learner and teacher are normally geographically separated. ( Moore, M. (1989), “Distant education: A learners system”. Lifelong Learning , 12 June, p.1.) Retention: Retention is the act of retaining or ‘keeping’. ie ‘keeping’ students on the programme until its natural conclusion or they have achieved their academic goals. Induction: (or orientation) is the process of preparing a student for a course or programme. Student Support: The management of activities by staff which maximise the chances of successful completion of the programme.

Distance Education: is all teaching-learning arrangements in which the learner and teacher are normally geographically separated. ( Moore, M. (1989), “Distant education: A learners system”. Lifelong Learning , 12 June, p.1.)

Retention: Retention is the act of retaining or ‘keeping’. ie ‘keeping’ students on the programme until its natural conclusion or they have achieved their academic goals.

Induction: (or orientation) is the process of preparing a student for a course or programme.

Student Support: The management of activities by staff which maximise the chances of successful completion of the programme.

Recommendations

Recommendations

Achievements to date Recruitment has increased by 66%. Activities that have aided this include - Academic email addresses for correspondence, reminders and additional support - Student referrals as student satisfaction has improved - a comprehensive communication plan - more effective tracking systems and statistical analysis Retention is approximately 70%, an improvement of nearly 30% since 2005. Activities that have aided this include a comprehensive communication plan standardisation of correspondence the availability of course sample more access to tutors Review of all course descriptions Surveying passively withdrawn students

Recruitment has increased by 66%.

Activities that have aided this include

- Academic email addresses for correspondence, reminders and additional support

- Student referrals as student satisfaction has improved

- a comprehensive communication plan

- more effective tracking systems and statistical analysis

Retention is approximately 70%, an improvement of nearly 30% since 2005.

Activities that have aided this include

a comprehensive communication plan

standardisation of correspondence

the availability of course sample

more access to tutors

Review of all course descriptions

Surveying passively withdrawn students