Susanne Voelkel: How diverse are our students, and what can – or should – we do about it? Slides from the University of Liverpool Learning and Teaching Conference 2009. We all know that not all students are the same. But do we really know what exactly their differences are, and, more importantly, do they matter? Using the example of a 2nd year course in Biological Sciences, this study investigates some of the important differences between students and how they might affect their performance. I will analyse inherent factors such as age and gender, as well as pre-existing learning experiences (at University as well as School) and discuss the influence the latter might have on learning attitude and motivation. The study also looks into some methods that could help engage a wider range of students, including various forms of self-assessment, in-class as well as on VITAL (e learning).

1. How diverse are our students and what should we do about it? Susanne Voelkel School of Biological Sciences

2. “The University is committed to providing an environment which recognises and values people's differences, capitalises on the strengths that those differences bring to the institution and support all staff and students in maximising their potential to succeed.”

3. What is student diversity? Does it matter? What can we do?

4. “Official groups” Programme studied Gender Age Ethnicity Disability (special educational needs) UK/ European/ Overseas Entry level qualifications

5. Less obvious groups Socio-economic background Family situation Temporary illness (including mental problems)

6. Individual differences Cognitive ability Motivation Learning style/ approach Study behaviour Personality Beliefs

7. Prior experience Expectations Goals

8. Some courses are more homogenous than others

11. Mix of programmes

13. Gender First degrees in the UK *Higher Education Statistics Agency 2007/2008

14. Study behaviour: application

15. Attendance and performance* *Newman -Ford et al (2008) University of Glamorgan. 748 students, 22 modules.

16. Learning style Personality Motivation Application Gender

17. Animal PhysiologyBasic course statistics (2007/2008) Year 2 About 100 students From different programmes Zoology 30 % Physiology 20 % Biological and medical science 20 % Others (e.g. Marine biology, Biological Sciences etc) 35 % male, 65 % female

18. Total class exam results

19. Exam results for different programmes

20. Gender differences in exam results

21. A level result in Biology

22. What should / can be done .... to support all students in maximising their potential to succeed ?

23. Some things ARE being done SENDA – support Personal tutors Counselling, advice Mitigating circumstances

24. Can we do more to Motivate and engage students Help students to develop good study skills Encourage attendance ?

25. Supporting the individual learner Transition from school to university Freshers’ week Study skills Attendance Register Intervention

26. Student attendances diminish over timeUniv. Of Birmingham (2003/4)* *Colby (2004)

27. Attendance Animal Physiology (2008/9) Email to students who missed 2 or more Attendance (%) Date

28. Supporting the individual learner Transition from school to university Freshers’ week Study skills Attendance Register Intervention Engagement and motivation Study groups Independent work, self assessment, feedback E-learning

30. Assignments

31. Self assessment

33. Animalia

34. Archaea

35. Fungi

36. ProtistaQuestion 1 of 5 After you answer each question, click “Check Answer” for feedback. Check answer

38. Animalia

39. Archaea

40. Fungi

41. Protista Question 1 of 5 Consider the cellular characteristics of each of the eukaryotic kingdoms. (Concept 1.2) After you answer each question, click “Check Answer” for feedback. Check answer

43. Animalia

44. Archaea

45. Fungi

46. ProtistaX Question 1 of 5 No. Plants are multicellular organisms. After you answer each question, click “Check Answer” for feedback. Check answer

48. Animalia

49. Archaea

50. Fungi

51. ProtistaQuestion 1 of 5 Correct. The eukaryotic protists are usually single-celled organisms. X After you answer each question, click “Check Answer” for feedback. Check answer