Empowering Success: Strategies for Widening Participation Students Facing Personal Commitment Challenges (80047)
Session Chair: Cynthia Northington-Purdie
Saturday, 13 July 2024 13:45
Session: Session 3
Room: G12 (Ground)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
This research offers an exploration into the challenges faced by the widening participation of students with a specific emphasis on mature individuals. Widening participation in higher education has evolved beyond addressing socio-economic disparities to include individuals who, despite underachieving in school due to disadvantaged circumstances, can benefit from higher education (Vignoles and Murry, 2016; Bolton and Lewis, 2023). Existing research suggests that mature students often struggle with their innumerable challenges including time constraints, family responsibilities and financial pressures which can significantly impact their educational journey. This study employed a qualitative research design, to explore the multifaceted experience of mature widening participation students. Through thematic analysis of the interview data, we identified the strategies employed by the students to maintain a fine balance between their studies and personal commitments. The novelty of the study is that the analysis of data goes beyond a mere documentation of challenges, to the remarkable strategies employed by our students in overcoming the obstacles. Informed by the real-life narratives, this study also identifies practical strategies that universities can adopt to foster a more supportive environment for the mature widening participation students. This study not only contributes to the broader discourse of inclusive education, but also provides evidence-based strategies for the universities to support the complex needs of mature widening participation students. The empirical findings of this study are set to transform institutional policies and practises, creating an atmosphere that catalyses the success of mature widening participation students in higher education.
Authors:
Mark Gallagher-Read, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
Besty Jose, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
Stephanie Ng, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
John Deane, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Mark Gallagher-Read is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at University of Wales Trinity St David in United Kingdom
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