Some subject areas will be more ‘difficult’ than others, always have been, always will be. They are called subjects at risk as they make faculty look bad because of a lower pass rate. So what do we do? Lower standards of assessment or extend the study period, or apply some additional tutorial or mentoring?
Does not really matter. Most work and students should eventually pass if they get ‘into’ it – they decided on this qualification because they have some will to succeed.
The main factor, in fact the only factor is to identify as early as possible those who may be “At Risk” and then start doing something about it – that means we need “realtime information” To hold marks and progress discussions after the fact is just senseless, as it will be too late to do something about it – the damage is done!
- Identify Risk factors
- Set up an early warning system – all modern LMS’s will be able to do that.
- Identify the students at risk
- Identify shortcomings
- Start remedial or other interventions immediately