Enhancing Student Engagement and Retention in Construction Education

At the start of Semester 1, Martyn, John, and I met to explore how the learner engagement team and my role as Active Campus Coordinator could support the construction department in addressing key challenges.

These included improving retention, fostering relationships, promoting health and wellbeing, and enhancing the overall student experience.

To kick off the term, John and I spent time with students ensuring they had access to essential resources, such as support services, student emails, the My NCL app, funding, free bus travel, and Young Scots cards. This groundwork was critical to removing barriers and making the transition to college life smoother for the students.

Through regular conversations, we discovered that many students were keen on playing football. Responding to their interest, I organised weekly football sessions at Ravenscraig. These sessions involved six groups playing in their class groups and occasionally against our sports students. Last week of Semester 1, we hosted a tournament, bringing all the groups together to compete.

These activities have been transformative. Students reported improved fitness, stronger team dynamics, and better relationships with peers and staff. Moreover, the initiative added significant value to their college experience, making their time more enjoyable and engaging.

The construction department also recognized broader challenges stemming from a shift to a 2.5-day teaching schedule, which had impacted attendance and engagement. To address this, a dynamic and active learning approach was introduced, replacing static, theory-heavy sessions with interactive, construction-contextualised learning. This included:

Hands-on exercises like calculating materials and labour costs.
Real-world applications such as reading construction measurements.
Engagement with industry professionals and mental health resources.

The results of these efforts are evident. Retention rates have improved, and students are thriving in an environment that prioritizes their overall well-being alongside their education. While some students left for meaningful employment, this is celebrated as a success, reflecting their readiness for the industry.

This collaborative initiative demonstrates the value of a holistic, student-centred approach in vocational education. By addressing barriers, fostering connections, and contextualizing learning, we’ve laid the groundwork for sustained success in the construction department.

As we look to the future, these interventions will not only continue but expand, ensuring even more students benefit from an enriched educational experience.