An SMS a day keeps attrition at bay. Preliminary findings from an intervention using SMS with first year students from a regional Australian university

Jane Foster; Bill Allen; Margaret McAllister; Florin I Oprescu

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An SMS a day keeps attrition at bay. Preliminary findings from an intervention using SMS with first year students from a regional Australian university

Conference paper

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An SMS a day keeps attrition at bay. Preliminary findings from an intervention using SMS with first year students from a regional Australian university

Jane Foster, Bill Allen, Margaret McAllister and Florin I Oprescu

Proceedings of the 16th International First Year in Higher Education Conference, pp.1-10

International First Year in Higher Education Conference, 16th (Wellington, New Zealand, 07-Jul-2013–10-Jul-2013)

Queensland University of Technology

2013

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Abstract

Specialist Studies in Education

SMS

student attrition

retention

Retention and attrition in first year students at university are burgeoning issues for educational researchers, as are the rising number of students experiencing significant mental health issues. A study, adopting the salutogenic theory of wellbeing, is currently underway using mixed methods to investigate the impact of an emotional fitness intervention (Mytern) on the emotional health and resilience of students in a compulsory first year course in a regional Australian university. Findings from the qualitative component of the study are discussed in this paper. Quotes from students are used to illustrate such changes as lowering stress levels, improving quality of life, engendering a sense of control and choosing to remain at university; with perhaps the most profound impact being that of saving a student's life. Interventions such as Mytern appear to support first year students' emotional well-being and resilience, improving their physical and psychological health.

Details

Title: An SMS a day keeps attrition at bay. Preliminary findings from an intervention using SMS with first year students from a regional Australian university
Authors: Jane Foster (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Bill Allen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Margaret McAllister (Author) - Central Queensland University
Florin I Oprescu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Proceedings of the 16th International First Year in Higher Education Conference, pp.1-10
Conference details: International First Year in Higher Education Conference, 16th (Wellington, New Zealand, 07-Jul-2013–10-Jul-2013)
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date published: 2013
ISBN: 9780646906157
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Engage Research Lab; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448829602621
Output Type: Conference paper

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