Exploring the practical challenges of setting up a BME Learning Community to address retention and attainment

Debi RobertsKingston 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

BME Attainment – 2012/13

Aggregated gap

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

Transitioning

Success Stories

• The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• The University of Arizona

• The University of Akron, Ohio

• University of Derby

• University of Birmingham

Resistance

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 Workshops1. Welcome and Develop a Strategy: expectations2. Be proactive: co-curricular participation3. Learn new things: reflection and inclusion4. Accept responsibility: social, cultural, global awareness5. Value others opinions and strengths: validating strengths,

developing weaknesses 6. Don’t let the past dictate the future: working positive role

models and alumni 7. Wellbeing: remaining motivated, engaged and healthy

Group Activity

1. How can we empower learners to work together ensuring ownership?

2. How can the scheme be introduced across the university?

3. When should the scheme be introduced? Pro’s and Con’s to all year groups

4. How can the LC be sustained throughout university life for maximum impact?

5. How can we measure impact?6. Should there be parameters? If so, what?

Thank you

Debi RobertsEducation Partnerships Manager

Widening Participationdeborah.roberts@kingston.ac.uk

020 8417 3649