News12 March 2026
Targeting higher education students using learning analytics data and ‘nudges’ does not effectively support wellbeing or academic engagement, according to new research from TASO released on University Mental Health Day.
The research – based on randomised controlled trials at three universities – tested the effectiveness of learning analytics data, such as class attendance or use of virtual learning, to identify students with poor wellbeing and the use of ‘nudges’ – emails or smartphone notifications – to improve the uptake of wellbeing support services.
The trials found no measurable causal link between these ‘nudges’ and students’ subsequent uptake of wellbeing support services or re-engagement with their studies.
An additional TASO report on student wellbeing, also published today, shows the importance of building trusted relationships with staff and peers in boosting student confidence, developing supportive networks and engaging more positively with their studies.
This additional research – conducted with two universities – indicates that a network of relationships is vitally important in improving wellbeing and feeling supported by trusted university staff increases students’ sense of belonging.
Key findings and recommendations:
- There are limitations in repurposing learning analytics systems to identify students with poor wellbeing. Low course engagement is not straightforwardly driven by poor wellbeing.
- Emails or smartphone notifications to students prompted by analytics based on low student engagement had no measurable impact on subsequent academic engagement.
- Wellbeing support activities that build relationships fill a vital gap for students who have a lower sense of belonging or who are at risk of dropping out.
- Higher education providers should consider how interventions are targeted: targeting the right students should inform the intervention at all stages, from developing analytics and recruitment, to maintaining engagement and tailoring the design of student support services.
Dr Omar Khan, CEO at TASO said:
Students today face an increasingly wide range of challenges, with financial pressures as well as poor mental health at an all time high. More students are being pushed into working longer hours, impacting their wellbeing and engagement with study. We need better evidence on how to improve student wellbeing, enabling everyone to thrive at university and beyond.
The results from our wellbeing projects released today show there is no substitute for human connection. While learning analytics offer opportunities to reach more students, the data underpinning these systems must be meaningful, monitored, and accompanied by relationship building activities between staff and the students who need the most help.”
Reported mental health problems among university students have tripled in recent years – with over one in six undergraduates reporting experiencing mental health difficulties.
Between the 2016–17 and 2023–24 academic years, undergraduate students at universities across the UK reporting mental health difficulties rose from 6% to 18%.