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Exploring the practical challenges of setting up a BME Learning Community to address retention and attainment. Debi Roberts Kingston University. Introduction. 26,055 students 47.4% are male and 52.6% are female 49.7% are white and 50.3% are BME
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Exploring the practical challenges of setting up a BME Learning Community to address retention and attainment Debi Roberts Kingston University
Introduction • 26,055 students • 47.4% are male and 52.6% are female • 49.7% are white and 50.3% are BME • 61.2% of white leavers are in full-time paid work compared to 42.1% BME leavers • 15.6% aged between 22-25, 10.1% over 36 • 29.4% attainment gap for UK BME students
A Learning Community? • 3 commonalities: • Shared knowledge • Shared learning • Shared responsibility • Learning Better Together: The Impact of Learning Communities on Student Success. Vincent Tinto. Syracuse University 2000 • 4 key factors • Membership • Influence • Fulfillment of individuals needs • Shared events and emotional connections • Journal of Community Psychology Volume 14, January 1986 Sense of Community: A Definition and Theory David W. McMillan and David M. Chavis
Success Stories • The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • The University of Arizona • The University of Akron, Ohio • University of Derby • University of Birmingham
Characteristics of successful learners • Get involved in their own learning and take responsibility for it • Improve and develop their vocabulary • Ensure they know how to achieve above and beyond their target • Are motivated and keen to learn • Develop their speaking, listening and thinking skills • Can work well with others as part of a team • Have good independent study skills • Want to learn beyond the syllabus • Link and apply their learning to the real world • Are supported by their family and choose friends carefully • Are curious and enjoy discovering new learning experiences • Good learners are willing to put in the time to pursue understanding diligently • Good learners recognize that some learning isn’t exciting but about persistence and mental focus • Good learners keep asking questions • Good learners share information and can explain what they know in ways that make sense to others
Run way to success... • Buddy Scheme • Learning Community Workshops • Welcome and Develop a Strategy: expectations • Be proactive: co-curricular participation • Learn new things: reflection and inclusion • Accept responsibility: social, cultural, global awareness • Value others opinions and strengths: validating strengths, developing weaknesses • Don’t let the past dictate the future: working positive role models and alumni • Wellbeing: remaining motivated, engaged and healthy
Group Activity • How can we empower learners to work together ensuring ownership? • How can the scheme be introduced across the university? • When should the scheme be introduced? Pro’s and Con’s to all year groups • How can the LC be sustained throughout university life for maximum impact? • How can we measure impact? • Should there be parameters? If so, what?
Thank you Debi Roberts Education Partnerships Manager Widening Participation deborah.roberts@kingston.ac.uk 020 8417 3649