RAPPORT ISSUE 5 | Page 73

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. 72