Teaching for student success: Promising practices in university teaching.

Abstract

The ability of universities to teach in ways that support the success of diverse students is a matter of focused action in many nations, especially those where demographic trends suggest an increasing prevalence of students from groups under-represented in universities. This paper describes findings from research involving three Faculties and a service centre at a university. Ninety-two interviews were undertaken with Māori and Pasifika students using the Critical Incident Technique (CIT). Teaching and other interventions in non-lecture settings based on the Phase 1 interview findings were implemented. A second set of interviews followed to evaluate the impact of the interventions. Results from the interviews are discussed, along with an analysis of more than 1900 student stories of when teaching in non-lecture settings has helped or hindered their success in degree-level studies. Promising practices for university teaching that helps Māori and Pasifika success are described.