State of Student Success & Engagement in Higher Education

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Higher education faced immense challenges in 2020. In partnership with Hanover Research, we fielded a survey in 13 countries with over 7,070 students, admin, and faculty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on student success and engagement. This global study on the state of student success and engagement gives institutions vital insights for thriving through challenges in 2020 and beyond.

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The "State of Higher Education 2021 Global Report" is a landmark research study that examines the lasting impact of the pandemic on the global academic community. Based on a survey of thousands of students and educators across 18 countries, the report identifies a fundamental shift in how "success" is defined—moving away from traditional academic metrics toward a more holistic view that encompasses career readiness, student well-being, and social equity. It argues that the "new normal" in higher education is not a return to the past, but a permanent move toward a hybrid, flexible, and student-centric future.

The report identifies six key trends driving the global higher education landscape:

  • The Redefinition of Success: While grades still matter, work readiness and the acquisition of tangible skills have become the top priorities for students and employers alike.
  • The Mental Health Imperative: Student well-being and a sense of belonging are now recognized as critical drivers of persistence, forcing institutions to integrate support services more deeply into the digital experience.
  • The "Mobile-First" Reality: Accessibility is no longer optional. Students increasingly rely on mobile devices to access their learning, making a high-quality mobile LMS experience a requirement for equity.
  • The Rise of the Hybrid Model: A majority of students and faculty now prefer a blend of in-person and online learning, viewing flexibility as a core component of a high-quality educational experience.
  • Narrowing the Socioeconomic Gap: The report highlights that the pandemic widened existing inequities, placing a greater burden on institutions to provide inclusive technology and support for marginalized learners.
  • The Need for Data-Informed Interventions: Institutions are increasingly turning to analytics to identify "at-risk" students earlier, allowing for more proactive and personalized support.

This report finally reflects Instructure’s authoritative, research-driven, and visionary brand voice. By providing a global perspective, Instructure positions itself as a thought leader and strategic partner, advocating for an "Ed-cosystem" that is resilient, inclusive, and fundamentally focused on the success of the modern learner.

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Online & Hybrid Learning Student Engagement

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