An Enquiry into the Impact of TMA Extensions: Stage 1

This project aims to explore whether the granting of extensions to TMA cut off dates has any impact on student retention and whether there is a relationship between TMAs and extensions in relation to different student groups at Level 1. 

It is a commonly held belief within the Open University that the possibility of allowing students more time to submit their assignment, if they should need it, aids retention as this reduces the possibility of the student not submitting the assignment and/or dropping of the module.   This approach is used and encouraged particularly at Level 1. 

Although there is University guidance on the number and length of extensions that a tutor can grant, there seems to be little policing of this policy or, indeed, adherence to the policy.  This may mean that a student could receive an extension for several if not all their TMAs. 

This project wishes to see whether: 

1. Students with several extensions feel that the extensions were helpful in allowing them to complete the module or conversely, made it harder for them to catch up and complete come the final leg of the module 

Related to Q1, if students were granted an extension, did additional support from their tutor, (queries answered by email/phone or 1-2-1 support session) have any difference on completion rates 

2. The number and length of extensions had any impact on question 1/ above 

3. Tutors who take a more ‘hard line’ approach to extensions have a discernible different retention rate than other tutors teaching the same module