Reframing support for the modern learner
Engagement is evolving alongside changes in the learning environment and student demographics, influenced by new technologies, modes of study and employer demands. Adapting to student needs remains a key priority for institutions. A THE webinar featured expert panellists from the US higher education sector to explore strategies for delivering proactive support to all learners.
“What used to be non-traditional learners have become the new majority today,” said Dave Tucker, founder and CEO of Genio. “This means that the shape of student support needs to change.” In the digital era, embedding tools that make the learning process more accessible and engaging can cultivate students’ confidence and skills for long-term success. Genio makes learning tools that help students build their study skills, confidence and grades, enabling them to stay in education. Independent research shows that Genio is associated with improved student outcomes and retention, including increased grade point average and reduced dropout intentions among users, with a case study showing retention rates up to 11 per cent higher.
The webinar discussion outlined the new challenges that learners face today, such as time constraints, competing responsibilities, financial pressures, language barriers and inadequate academic preparedness. “One of the things we’ve seen sometimes with students is life throws them a curveball, then they think there is no support for that and they have to drop out,” said Michelle Shaw, director of student accessibility services at Florida Atlantic University. Identifying such students and providing them with care and a sense of belonging is important. Getting to know learners beyond their academic performance enables faculty members and support teams to detect problems and signpost support early. Shaw added that data can be a valuable asset in guiding proactive outreach and intervention.
In the age of AI, focusing on connection and personalised support can move the dial on student retention, the panel agreed. Tammy Wyatt, vice-provost for student success, educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), spoke about how her university focuses on building a student thriving ecosystem to improve engagement beyond attendance and graduation rates. “Today’s students are navigating an always-on type of environment, but that doesn’t automatically translate to meaningful engagement,” Wyatt said. Student surveys conducted at UTSA consistently show that learners want more engagement with faculty, more connection on campus and a feeling that the institution cares about them, she added. “Connection to faculty is a huge predictor for their ability to thrive and their own satisfaction with mental health and well-being.”
The definition of success and its benchmarks need to evolve in step with the needs of today’s learners. “Retention is important, but it’s a lagging indicator and not a complete indicator of the student experience,” said Glenn Davis, vice-president for student engagement and success at Bowling Green State University. Davis pointed out that learners can have different ways of engaging that are not fully captured by traditional metrics. Institutions need to recognise and incorporate them into their engagement models to modernise support.
The panel:
- Glenn Davis, vice-president for student engagement and success, Bowling Green State University
- Sreethu Sajeev, branded content deputy editor, Times Higher Education (chair)
- Michelle Shaw, director of student accessibility services, Florida Atlantic University
- Dave Tucker, founder and CEO, Genio
- Tammy Wyatt, senior vice-provost for student success, educational leadership and policy studies, University of Texas at San Antonio
Find out more about Genio.
