Download the project posters - University of Wolverhampton

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Sense of belonging
University is not just
about a degree;
it’s about the skills,
the friends and the
relationships you make.
I met lots of different
people really quickly and I
think Best Mates scheme
is a good thing. They
encourage you to go out
and make friends.
Second year student
Second year student
Everyone is there to
help you out. Those
are the kind of things
that will keep you
here.
Making friends
definitely helps just in
keeping
your spirits up and
gives you a big motive
to getting
your studies done.
Third year student
Second year student
Being a School
Representative and having
involvement
with the Students’ Union
makes me feel I belong to
the community.
Being a mature
student, I came to
Third year student
University knowing not
one person here. I have
left knowing everyone
on my course.
I was previously
shy, but am now
more confident and
outgoing.
First year student
Third year student
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 1 10/06/2010 16:11

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Interactive pedagogies
The lecturers are very
good at what they
do: inspirational and
passionate, using
interactive teaching
methods such as group
work and online seminars.
Graduate student
I love lectures where
there is interaction
and debate. If you
argue a point rather
than write it you
learn more.
Third year student
There are inspiring
lecturers who are
engaging and interact with
the students.
Second year student
Lecturers are very
knowledgeable and have
lots of personal experience
to draw on.
Second year student
Lecturers are
approachable and easy
to talk with. They show
enthusiasm. I like the
presentation style -
how they lecture and
the diversity of activities
and exercises we have.
The style of teaching is
a good mix of traditional
style lectures combined
with film clips and
group discussion. A
very student-orientated
delivery.
Graduate student
First year student
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 2 10/06/2010 16:11

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Cultural diversity
The University reflects
society as it is today.It
just makes a whole better
experience, meeting people
from different cultures and
different countries.
There is no way of really
describing the interaction
with the mix of students.
It’s like getting to know
something that you are
not used to and it gives
you a different experience.
Second year student
Third year student
You can sit there and
get to know people
who have so many
different ideas in the
way they were brought
up, in the way their
education was done.
Second year student
One of best thing
about Wolverhampton
is that it’s so culturally
diverse - a big mix
of students from
different cultures.
I have met a lot of
different people with a lot
of different ideas. I don’t
always agree with them,
but you have to hear
them to know what their
opinion is.
Third year student
Third year student
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 3 10/06/2010 16:11

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Responsive lecturers
If you want extra
guidance or feedback
you can just pop over
and see them.
Third year student
I like the way of
teaching, the lecturers
ask if you have any
doubts. They clarify
any doubts –
they show patience.
Third year student
They listen and
respond to student
feedback, they change
the way they do things.
Third year student
The lecturers I had
made a really big
difference in making
things a lot easier.
Second year student
They understand when
you genuinely have a
problem and they are
the ones that would
keep you at University.
Third year student
The lecturers are
always here to support
you. You just email
them and they give
you feedback.
Third year student
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 4 10/06/2010 16:11

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Social learning environment
I love the enjoyable
and comfortable
learning environment.
First year student
I like having a
cybercafé, where you
can take food near
a computer and do
group work.
Second year student
University facilities –
modern and up-to-date
IT facilities.
The extensive
choice in
the library.
First year student
First year student
Wolverhampton is a
‘social’ university that
has a good feeling
around the campus,
relaxed atmosphere,
with a strong
community aspect to
studying.
Third year student
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 5 10/06/2010 16:11

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Some unanswered questions
What preparation can
be given to students
during their transitional
period between getting
their university place and
attending the university
Will Graduate
Attributes secure
a clearer return on
students’ financial
investment
How do we grow
the commitment of
our least engaged
students
What else could
be done to add to
value to the student
experience
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 6 10/06/2010 16:11

What works for students
The Retention and Progression project gathered comments from 52 students across the University and analysed over
1500 free text comments from the National Student Survey to identify what keeps students engaged and enriches their
experience at the University of Wolverhampton. We found that most of the comments centred on the themes: Sense of
belonging, Responsive lecturers, Interactive pedagogies, Social learning environment, Cultural diversity and Technology
in learning.
Technology in Learning
The facilities are
really brilliant and
everything is really
just one click away.
Wolf and e:vision are
helpful in keeping
you up-to-date with
content and grades.
Second year student
Third year student
Constant updates of
lecture notes in
Wolf – superb.
I use Wolf every
day. If I’m in work,
I can access it on
my phone.
First year student
First year student
We cannot live without
Wolf. You need it dayby-day
to access your
e-mails, and see
what’s updated.
Some of my lecturers
would record lectures
and put them online.
Graduate student
Third year student
MAC132
www.wlv.ac.uk/whatworks
MAC132 R&P Posters (7).indd 7 10/06/2010 16:11