The Underlying Factors Shaping ‘Additional Consideration’ in Assessment

Tiina Eilola (School of Psychology)

Project overview

Many students experience life events during their time at the university that have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and ability to take assessments. Mitigating circumstances arrangements play an important role in supporting students to succeed in their studies despite such adverse events. Only a limited amount of research has been conducted in this area. The aim of the present research is to help us better understand students’ lived experiences of mitigating circumstances, and the factors that influence students’ decision to apply for mitigation. The findings of the project have the potential to inform ways in which student support could be improved and how to create a more inclusive learning environment.

The aim of the study is to generate empirical data to help us better understand students’ circumstances, why they may need to apply for mitigation, how they experience the application process, and identify ways in which students may be better supported without the need to apply for mitigating circumstances. The evidence is intended to inform proposals for alternative ways of working that enhance students’ wellbeing and learning experience.

I have worked as a Psychology lecturer for over 15 years. In this role, I have supported students with very challenging circumstances. For the last six years, I have acted as the Chair of Special Circumstances Committee and Disability Contact in the School of Psychology. These roles have helped me to gain further understanding of how students with a wide range of difficulties can be supported. I have also grown to appreciate some of the benefits and shortcomings of the mitigating circumstances process. For these reasons, I am keen to contribute to the development of our understanding of students’ experiences, how students could be better supported, and what may allow students to experience better wellbeing and succeed in their studies.

The research approach

The study uses mixed methods: To gain understanding of student experiences, an online questionnaire study, combined with follow-up semi-structured interviews, is conducted. In addition, the numbers of mitigating circumstances applications submitted at the University of Leeds in the academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23 are analysed.

If you would like to find out more about the project contact Tiina Eilola. You can also follow Tiina on LinkedIn.

Each Fellowship has a project sponsor that helps the Fellows achieve impact across the institution. The sponsors for this Fellowship are Chris Warrington & Louise Powell.

Project start date: September 2024