The introduction of the StREAM student engagement analytics platform at the University of Essex was driven by the Vice Chancellor who wanted to understand what opportunities existed at Essex to use data to support student success through learner analytics.
Following a pilot project to 3 departments in 2017, StREAM was rolled-out to all staff. Once staff were familiar with how to use StREAM and use of the platform was effectively embedded within academic practice, StREAM was introduced to students from 2018-19 onwards and the implementation of a new Student Engagement Policy followed in 2020.
A review of the data insights generated over this three-four year period brought a realisation that student engagement was providing a level of insight and wisdom around student support that had not been possible when only attendance-based progress procedures were in place, prior to the adoption of StREAM.
The insights and impact arising from the deployment of StREAM were such that in 2022, the Academic Registrar at Essex, Richard Stock, was able to conclude that moving away from attendance as the sole measure of engagement has allowed the university to identify students with very low engagement and focus support on those most at risk of early withdrawal.
By using StREAM they were able to support students with very low engagement at week six of the Autumn term to reach their full potential. In 2018-19, 88% of students with very low engagement had withdrawn by the end of the academic year. In 2021-22, this had reduced to approximately 20%.
In this case study, we delve deeper into how Essex have been able to identify and support those students most at risk with some impactful results.
