Navigating academic challenges: Strategies for effective student support

Academic skills support plays a significant role in students’ success. In this
presentation, we focused on students in higher education. The skills students gain from academic skills sessions benefit them not only during their studies but also in their employment. However, academic skills practitioners often face challenges in delivering effective one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions, and embedded teaching. These challenges may include, among others, a lack of student engagement and motivation, diverse learning needs, time constraints, misconceptions about academic skills, and difficulties in collaboration with faculty.

This presentation explored common difficulties encountered by academic skills colleagues and the strategies that they have utilised for overcoming or minimising these challenges. Drawing on personal experiences from both the presenters and attendees, as well as insights from academic literature, the session created opportunities for colleagues to learn from, and with, one another. The aim was to help improve our practice and enhance the quality of support we provide to our students. Additionally, by encouraging participants to share their experiences and insights, the presentation aimed to foster a collaborative discussion and to help build a stronger academic skills community across different schools within the University of Hertfordshire (UH).