Analysis of completion and retention of a graduate diploma

Abstract or Summary

Programme management appears to be becoming more "professionalised" in the ITP sector in order to meet several TEC expectations (2007), such as high student success rates. McCarthy (2005) raised the matter of retention, covering work of Scott (2005) and others. This paper presents a case experience at one institution towards further work on this very important matter. We are reporting our experience in analysing data for the management of student success in one programme with very high International student numbers, where the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (2003) also applies. We noticed overall good pass rates, but also a tendency for students to fail either completely or not at all. We also noticed a relationship between attendance and pass rates. We especially became aware of the need to take more than an elementary on-the-surface look at data, as it could be very misleading and unsatisfactory for everybody involved. More formal research can now be planned. We believe our insights and process would be useful to others.