The effect of scheduling on attendance at synchronous online support tutorials in mathematics

Abstract

Optional synchronous online support (SOS) tutorials play a key role in student success. However, with the additional pressures of external commitments on students are the “traditional times” of offering study support the optimal times?Following on from the trends in increased availability of mathematical support (Grove et al 2019) we have piloted a model that focusses on providing different SOS tutorials based on, time of day, study speed and study programme.The results of this pilot show, that whilst traditional times still attract the highest attendance, by offering a variety of SOS tutorials overall engagement can be significantly increased.