RAPPORT
Issue 5 (August 2020)
The International Journal for
Recording Achievement,
Planning and Portfolios
Tutorial meetings as a catalyst for student engagement: an Australian
study
Gihan Ebaid
Education Team Leader 1
Abstract
The importance of student success, commonly measured as course completion, is vital
for all educational institutions. However, if students are not engaged in their learning or
do not have a supported experience, they are less likely to successfully complete their
studies. The purpose of this research was to investigate ways to improve student
engagement in the context of Vocational Education and Training in Australia. I utilised
the pre-existing ‘individual learning plans’ and tutorial meetings to develop a personal
support framework that improved learner engagement and empowered students to be
active participants in their learning.
Background
This study was undertaken in a Vocational
Education and Training (VET) institution in
Australia. The VET sector plays a core role
in developing skills for the workplace and
pathways to higher education and provides
one opportunity for progression for
students completing secondary education.
This organisation offers over 1200 courses
(from certificate to degree level) to over
500,000 students annually, on campus, in
the workplace, online, or by distance. I
have worked there for more than 20 years
as a teacher. My passion for engaging
students in learning, and particularly to
offer the best possible support, motivated
me to conduct this study.
"Smart and Skilled" is a New South Wales
(NSW) Government's reform initiative to
1
Gihan works in an Australian Vocational and Training Institution.
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