Gaebel, M., Hauschildt, K., Mühleck, K., & Smidt, H. Tracking Learners’ and Graduates’ Progression Paths. European University Association, Brussels, 2012. Pages: 116.

This report presents the results of a two-year study that aimed to give an overview of the reasons, uses and methods of tracking students, both at the national level and within higher education institutions. This study provides information for 31 countries, representing 32 higher education systems. Some of the main results include: the increasing interest in tracking and the growing number of tracking initiatives at the national and institutional levels across the countries surveyed; the importance tracking may have in improving learning provision or student services; and the fact that tracking can help provide institutions with further information on student dropout or employability. Challenges and risks identified in tracking initiatives are also discussed and guidelines to develop and implement comprehensive tracking strategies in universities are presented.

European University Association