Formative diagnostics for student transitions and success through personalised guidance

This case study showcases the Abertay Discovery Tool, a formative educational diagnostic assessment embedded within a mandatory first-year transition microcredential at Abertay University. The Abertay Discovery Tool aims to reveal students’ strengths and areas for development and provide personalised guidance on how this can be enhanced. Students utilise the personalised individual feedback and the first year microcredential to self-reflect, goal set, and engage with optional microcredentials which align with their identified needs. In addition, this early data also provides the university with insights into cohorts of students to enable programme-level recommendations and actions. The Abertay Discovery Tool’s success is highlighted by high levels of uptake, with 96.4% of students completing the educational diagnostic with positive student feedback. We believe that this approach to deploying educational diagnostics increases student self-awareness and informs their decision-making as they build those foundations for academic and social success. The Abertay Discovery Tool demonstrates a strategic university approach to personalised learning and the enhancement of student success.