How learning design and data analytics can improve pedagogical practices of embedding academic literacy skills into core undergraduate units

Despite the range of research about the success of embedding academic skills to improve students’ confidence and grades, there is still a need to explore how online learning design can assist in improving pedagogical practices when providing academic skills within the first year of study. This presentation aims to examine how one of Australia’s largest regional universities is maximising data analytics and student evaluations from their embedded academic literacy skills project to improve the student experience. The university has the highest proportion of students from low Socio-economic Status (SES) backgrounds across the sector and a high proportion of part-time and online students (Department of Education, 2020), which are key factors impacting attrition nationally (Department of Education and Training, 2017). Consequently, the university has embedded assessment specific academic skills into units which have a high proportion of these factors as a key strategy to increasing student success within the first year of study. The embedded academic skills project has increased from 4 units of study in 2016 to over 100 in 2022, now reaching over 12,000 students. Therefore, understanding how students use the online resources and gaining an insight into the perceived benefits of the skills provided can impact upon the pedagogical process of learning design. This insight has also assisted in building relationships between unit coordinators and the embedded unit coordinator for an improved student experience.