The Evidence-based change (EBC) focus-area conducts research in the areas of student engagement, student success and broader topics within learning and teaching. It further provides research, data analytic, and capacity building support to other focus areas within the CTL and units within the UFS.  

Although EBC does not work directly with students, except when collecting primary data, the research produced within the focus area is used to inform practices that have a direct influence on students’ wellbeing and success. For example, in 2020, the EBC collaborated with academic advisors to conduct research on students’ educational journeys. The resulting Journey Mapping report became the inspiration for the Secure the Grad (#STG) initiative that supports senior students’ transitioning. Other examples might include SASSE/BUSSE data used in staff orientation and development, the development of a placement algorithm used as a proxy for the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) to place students in academic literacy courses, and identifying and nudging students who are not engaging with Blackboard by running an algorithm that captures students’ online behaviours. 

Projects