Update on Throughput Initiative & Tracking System

Presented at STLSC

15 February 2010Professor George Subotzky

Executive Director: Information & Strategic Analysis

MANAGEMENT OF STUDENT EXPERIENCE, SUCCESS, THROUGHPUT & GRADUATENESS Shaped by modeling process

Conceptual Modeling M & E

Statistical & Analytic

Modelling producing Actionable Intelligence

Data Gathering:

Surveys & Tracking System

Identifying what is

relevant, measurable, available & actionable

Proactive Learner Support

Interventions

Progress Thus Far• 2008: Integrated approach - STLSC & Throughput Forum• Late 2008: Comprehensive Literature Review (Dr

Prinsloo)• Early 2009: Conceptual Model (Working Group)• Feb – Apr 2009: Internal Presentations• May – Oct 2009: External Presentations

– 3 international & 3 local conferences• Strong corroboration of model as appropriate, innovative

& cutting-edge• 7 Oct 2009 & 3 February 2010: Internal Workshops• Data collection:

– Exam Absence Survey (Jan – Feb 2010)– Student Profile Survey (Mar – Apr 2010)

Next Steps• ODL Project Plan

– Task Team on appropriate management approach & structure

– Report to Senate by June• Analysis of Exam Absence & Student Profile

Surveys• Analysis of Tracking System trends• Identification of the nature and timing of risk

factors• Identification of appropriate interventions• Implementation plan• Implementation, monitoring & evaluation

Tracking/Profiling/Prediction System• Early 2009: Project relocated to DISA – New Project Plan• April 2009: Pilot System commissioned• May – Aug 2009: Pilot System operationalised & internally

workshopped within DISA• Oct 2009: Course-level enhancement commissioned• 3 Feb 2010: Open internal workshop• Project team reconstituted

– Project plan revised– Consultations between consultant & stakeholders– March 2010: Enhancement operationalised– March 2010: System opened; training & orientation

offered– Apr to Jun 2010: Further enhancements – qualitative data

• Assessment of Pilot System in relation to needs analysis• Final decision regarding tool

Conclusion• Highly strategic initiative

– Strong internal & external imperative– Foregrounded in latest Ministerial Statement

on Higher Education Funding• Solid comprehensive approach

– Conceptual Model– Tracking System– Strong student engagement – at the heart of

ODL Model• 2010 on: Findings & implementation towards

improvement