Kickstart Your Year

Main idea

Outline

The study programme in which the Kickstart sessions take place, used to be separate from Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (AUAS). At this time, it’s demographic was mostly mature students. These were people that had been out of school for a while and were used to classrooms with chalk and a blackboard. Nowadays, technology plays a bigger part in education, which can be a challenge for mature students.

Since the study programme became a part of AUAS, its student population has become younger. These younger students have their own challenges. Some lack a good study method, come from a school in which they have never taken exams, etc.

Due to a myriad of reasons of which some were mentioned above, many students were insecure at the start of the academic year. The existing courses on planning and study methods took place during the year, but these students needed support sooner. This is also because they start their internships close to the start of the year.

Detailed description

The Kickstart Your Year initiative consists out of three or four half days taking place during the week before classes start. Students that enrol for this initiative, are expected to attend all the sessions. In the beginning of these sessions, the students are asked why they registered, what their insecurities are, etc. These needs are taken into account when deciding on the content of the sessions, so each time the initiative takes place it’s slightly different from the last time.

Generally, the students learn about:

• study methods using the 5 steps of the ‘Stop Cramming, Start Learning’ initiative: exploring, structuring, schematising, memorising and repeating,
• planning and procrastination,
• AHS’ digital platforms,
• how to start working on an assignment,
• how to write a professional mail.

During these sessions, students see examples from their study programme, so it’s already tailored to their interests and it’s really concrete.

Group size

15 to 18 students

Goals

• Fostering connection. Students can get to know each other already.
• Facilitating the transition to higher education. Students don’t lose too much time adjusting.

Obstacles targetted:

• Educational difficulties
• Social obstacles

Inspiration and evidence

• Material developed by AUAS’ Office of Study and Career Guidance
• The zone of proximal development (ZPD) by Vygotsky

Success criteria

• The examples used during the sessions are linked to the students’ study programme.
• Students can immediately put their new knowledge and skills to use when classes start.
• The students have a head start in the first week of class, which enables them to help other students and boosts their confidence.

Points of attention

• The initiative would benefit from receiving more money and staff.
• It would be great to reach more students.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness is tracked by keeping an eye on the grades of the participants and, if they dropped out, by looking at the reasons why.

Do you feel you can effectively provide the support that students require?

Would you recommend this to other institutions?

somewhat agree

Evaluation

This initiative is evaluated by handing out an evaluation form at the end. On this form, students can evaluate each session so that adjustments can be made.

What was learned through the evaluation?

While the initiative is sufficient support for some students, at least half of the students indicate needing more support throughout the year.

What was adapted based on the evaluation?

• Many students had questions or needed help with the digital platforms. This inspired the organizers to organize an info session for all students about this topic. This session also takes place before the start of the academic year.
• Some small adjustments were made in how much time was spent on certain topics.

Communication

• Some students are advised to register for this initiative by the public employment service of Flanders.
• Flyers are handed out during the open days.
• It’s mentioned online, it’s an event on the online platform.
• Students hear about it from others.
• There are posters with a QR-code.
• Students can enrol online or on paper.

Timing

The Kickstart Your Year initiative consists out of three or four half days taking place during the week before classes start.

Resources

You need:

• a way for students to enrol,
• a classroom,
• a projector,
• money to make copies,
• folders,
• pens and markers.

Staff should (be able to):

• soothe students’ nerves,
• encourage collaboration,
• know what they’re talking about,
• know the different study programmes and their curricula.

Transferability

We think it is quite easily transferable to other contexts or groups.

While the main idea of the initiative is easily transferable because students everywhere can use an initiative like this before the start of their first year, the content is less transferable. You really need to look at the needs of your student population and the content of the curricula to determine what information should be included.

Universal Design

• The communication strategy is definitely based on the principles of Universal Design. The communication is as easy to understand as possible and is targeted towards everyone. By offering multiple ways to enrol, the threshold for students who aren’t good with technology or who don’t have a smartphone/computer is lowered.
• The students receive the subject matter on paper.
• When a lot of students had questions or needed help with a certain subject, the organisers made sure to organize an info session for all students about this topic.

Context

Many students have a contract with the public employment service of Flanders. For these students it’s very important to succeed.