Data analysis undertaken by Flinders has shown that the compulsory SACE research project is a strong indicator of future academic success at university and may in fact be more predictive of university achievement than year 12 ATAR results alone.
“We have seen that students who achieved strong Research Project B results (above 70%) achieved a high level of academic performance at Flinders and noticeably lower attrition compared with students who achieved lower scores, and all students combined,” says Director of Student Recruitment at Flinders, Peter Torjul.
As such, Flinders is currently piloting an entry pathway to many of its courses using research project results, whereby year 12 results are given a 60% weighting and Research Project B performance accounts for 40% of the overall selection rank.
This may enhance the range of opportunities available to students who have strong results in the Research Project B subject.
If the combined score does not result in an enhanced selection rank, applicants may compete in the normal way based on their ATAR alone.
“The Research Project B provides a valuable opportunity for SACE students to develop and demonstrate skills essential for university study,” says Mr Torjul.
“It enables students to develop vital planning, research, synthesis, evaluation, and project management skills.
“Students develop their ability to question sources of information, make effective decisions, evaluate their own progress, be innovative, and solve problems.
“Self-directed, independent, research-based learning among students is supported in the educational literature and has been incorporated into education reforms worldwide,” Mr Torjul says.
More information on the Research Project B pathway at Flinders is available online, as well as details of all entry pathways at Flinders.
Flinders’ Research Project B pathway was today covered by Education Reporter Tim Williams: Real pointer to uni success, 5 January 2018, page 9.