Project | Evaluating ‘Tailored Transitions’

At TASO, we are partnering with Middlesex University and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research to evaluate the institution’s tailored transition support programme for first-year students. 

The programme is novel in that it uses insights from a pre-arrival survey, where students indicate the types of information and support most relevant to them. Their responses are used to guide the design of a wide range of activities to support students in their transition into higher education such as academic skills workshops, and peer mentoring. 

It aims to understand the needs and expectations of incoming students so that the university can support their transition into higher education. It aims to rigorously evaluate the impact of supportive interventions based on what students input in the pre-arrival survey. It is hoped that the findings will help Middlesex University, and others, to ensure students’ move to university is successful.

The project will use randomised controlled trials and in-depth interviews with staff and students to evaluate if and how the programmes improve motivation, attainment and continuation. 

Background

This is one of three projects that TASO has commissioned to evaluate interventions designed to support students with their transition into higher education. While higher education providers recognise the need to support students during this pivotal transition period, there has been little evaluation of the activities that are offered.