Student Experience Project
The Student Experience Project (SEP) is a longitudinal, mixed method research project which has been run at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) since 2001. SEP uses systematic quantitative data as well as a diversity of rich qualitative data in improving understanding of a variety of characteristics of the student experience, such as balancing work commitments and studies, student finance and satisfaction with services provided by the University. The project also researches which kinds of factors may impact on student progression, retention and completion trends. Research is also currently being undertaken to better understand reasons behind student withdrawals.
SEP web survey
The SEP web survey was run for the second consecutive year in November/ December 2007. Over 2,100 students responded, creating a robust dataset as permitting the research team to make contact with a number of students willing to participate in future SEP work. Analysis of the data is currently underway, with reporting of both the quantitative and qualitative aspects envisaged for the near future.
Withdrawal study
A short survey and a number of interviews have been conducted with students who have left the University. The aim of this strand of research is to improve awareness and understanding of the reasons behind students choosing to leave their programme of study. This work will continue over the next year and will be extended to include more qualitative work.
Retention and progression of HN students
Continued analysis of data pertaining to the progression and attainment of award of choice will continue to form the basis of this area of work, in identifying trends in each of the academic schools within GCU, as well as examining differences within schools. The main focus of this research will be to provide more in-depth detail on patterns of progression, specifically amongst those students reaching GCU after study in college and improve the first year experience of these students.
Further information
For further information on SEP research please contact Vic Boyd (victoria.boyd@gcal.ac.uk) or Joanne Brodie (joanne.brodie@gcal.ac.uk) or go to http://www.caledonian.ac.uk/studentexperience/index.html
© Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning 2007
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