Starting university can be a daunting experience. As educators we want all our students to have a sense of belonging, to feel valued and respected. Spending time at the beginning of the academic year to get to know your students, for them to get to know each other, and for them to get to know you is a valuable way to put them at ease. Cultivating an inclusive learning community develops confidence and students are more likely to engage. My presentation will share some of the activities my first-year students experience and how this contributes to student engagement.

1. Getting to know your
students through storytelling
Sue Beckingham @suebecks
Digitally Enhanced Education Webinars: How Best to Engage our
Students in 2022/23

2. Starting university can be a daunting experience. As educators we want all our students to have a
sense of belonging, to feel valued and respected. Spending time at the beginning of the academic
year to get to know your students, for them to get to know each other, and for them to get to know
you is a valuable way to put them at ease.
Cultivating an inclusive learning community develops confidence and students are more likely to
engage. My presentation will share some of the activities my first-year students experience and how
this contributes to student engagement.

3. Finding ways to get to know your
students, for them to get to
know each other, and for them
to get to know you!

4. About me videos
Create a two-minute video where you
introduce yourself and talk about:
• Personal: your interests and hobbies
• Professional: your career aspirations
and the skills you want to learn or
develop at university

6. Lego Serious Play

7. Settling in at university
What obstacles might students face at university?

9. Infographic (using Piktochart) captured 9 key obstacles students might face
This was then added to the Student Support section on Blackboard

11. Provide opportunities
for students to reflect
and capture who are
there to support them

12. Students build confidence in
reflecting on personal skills
and recognise their strengths
and weaknesses

13. Develop confidence
To engage in:
Co-curricular activities
• Course Rep
• Student Ambassador
• Peer Mentor
Extracurricular activities
• Students as partners/researchers
• Volunteering