Supporting offender learners with face to face tutorials

Aims

To explore the impact on success and progression, of running three whole-group face to face tutorials with students in secure environments studying a Level 0 Openings module.

Objectives

• To run three whole group face to face tutorials with students in secure environments studying an Openings modules.
• To measure the impact of the face to face tutorials on student success and progression to further OU study.
• To measure the impact of the face to face tutorials on student and staff satisfaction.

Methodology

Evaluation was based on quantitative and qualitative outcomes

Quantitative:

• Tutor marked assignment submission rates

• End of course (ECA) and end of module assessment (EMA) completion and ‘Achievement rates 2

• Percentage progressing on to a further OU module.

Qualitative:

• The view of experienced prison-based education managers

• The view of experienced Openings tutors who delivered the sessions

• Feedback from students

Findings

The outcome of this project suggests that the provision of three whole-group face to face tutorials  could significantly enhance the learning support available to students in prison with a consequent increase in successful completion rates and of progression on to further Open University courses.