This case study is an output from the Academic Skills Development Project. It examines academic skills development at Trinity College through an innovative mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative survey data with rich qualitative insights.
As part of the Academic Skills Development Project, the research investigated how Trinity's Academic Support and Development Lecturer (ASDL) provision complements the college's tutorial system to enhance students' academic development. The study surveyed 61 students across all academic levels and conducted eight in-depth interviews using the Most Significant Change methodology, with participants collaboratively selecting the most significant transformation stories through peer review.
View the case study (PDF file)
Key findings reveal several important patterns in how students experience and benefit from academic support:
- A notable gap between general academic confidence (88.5% positive) and task-specific confidence (67.2% for exams), and how targeted support can bridge this divide
- The effectiveness of complementary support networks, where 68.2% of students accessing ASDL services also sought tutorial advice, creating synergistic relationships
- Critical transition points where students are particularly vulnerable—such as entering university, returning from year abroad, or approaching finals
- The importance of flexible support systems that can adapt to diverse learning needs, including those of neurodivergent students.
This evaluation contributes significant methodological and practical insights to understanding academic skills development within Oxford's collegiate system. By integrating validated survey instruments (including Access and Success Questionnaire (ASQ) validated survey scales) with participatory narrative analysis, the study demonstrates how college-based support creates safe spaces for academic development while serving as pathways to broader university resources. The research offers actionable recommendations for enhancing support integration, improving accessibility, and developing more responsive systems that serve increasingly diverse student populations, making it a valuable resource for colleges seeking to strengthen their academic support provision.
