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 % 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 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 Workshops 1.Welcome and Develop a Strategy: expectations 2.Be proactive: co-curricular participation 3.Learn new things: reflection and inclusion 4.Accept responsibility: social, cultural, global awareness 5.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 Roberts Education Partnerships Manager Widening Participation