Poor marks does not necessarily equate to disengagement, nor does it necessarily mean there is issue with the online tutorial.

It could be that the learners have had difficulty matching their knowledge and skills with the learning outcomes, especially if they’ve not studied for a long time. The marks may give indication of where there are strengths and weaknesses in their knowledge or skills, which in turn may suggest an appropriate action plan to help facilitate improving their competence in particular areas. You can then be more individualised, encouraging their strengths whilst focusing on supporting with examples of how they can meet gaps in the learning outcomes and improve their assignment towards this.

• Individualising the learning experience and making it personal
• Identifying the next steps in learning

By individualising the learning this can make students re-engage and take ownership of their learning.

By making clear the next steps, students will feel in control again after maybe losing their footing. They can refresh and focus on what needs to be done to achieve their goals.

Firstly, I would find out if there are any issues preventing the student from engaging with their studies. They may have things going on in life that are taking precedence. I would offer any support necessary to encourage the student. 

If the student had not studied for a long time, or not studied with the OU, I would suggest some support with their study skills. They may be struggling with working independently, or online. They may not be aware of some of the ICT support available, or how certain aspects of online learning work. I would ensure that the student was confident in accessing the information needed to carry out their studies. 

I would encourage the student to look at feedback given for previous TMAs and reflect upon their learning. This would help them to feel motivated, but also to have an awareness of any areas needing improvement, providing them with a goal. 

I would look at individualising the learning experience for those students whilst encouraging them to ask me questions or express concerns to me, so that I could better assist them.

Get to know your students as individuals so that you have an understanding of any issues they have come in with as this can help you to help them move forward and break down the learning barriers.

Try to identify any specific issues and work with students to set a series of short term acheivable goals so they feel less over-whelmed by the experience.

From the list I would say the two steps to try and re-engage the students would be:

* Encouraging students,

* Helping students attain learning outcomes.

It can be demoralising if it seems like you're struggling and/or falling behind. In these situations it can help to try and find some "quick wins" for the student to improve their self-confidence and help them win back some motivation to continue. Also, it's worth trying to find out what their personal situation is at the time. They may have other difficulties which are impacting their studies at this time or they may need help with developing study skills and routines so that they can learn to keep up etc.