This resource provides a good background literature review of the role of social integration in learning and retention. The article describes a retention programme that aims to support students’ growth of identity and social belonging, in order to increase engagement with their academic work. The report examines mature students and those living at home while studying locally in the evaluation and demonstrated benefits from the initiative. Of particular interest is the finding that widening participation students were comfortable being targeted.
Resource
Here’s the report: Developing social integration to enhance student retention and success in higher education: the GROW@BU initiative (PDF 603 KB – opens in a new window)
Authors
B Gail Thomas, Bournemouth University, and Janet Hanson, University of Winchester
Publication
September 2014