An Enhanced Route from FE to HE Graduation?

Debbie Meharg,Ella Taylor-Smith,Simone Dallas,Alison Varey,Carole Mooney

doi:10.14297/jpaap.v5i2.269

Debbie Meharg, Ella Taylor-Smith + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14297/jpaap.v5i2.269

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Abstract

This study explores student transitions from further (FE) to higher (HE) education through the Associate Student Project (ASP) and examines the effectiveness of this enhanced transition programme for direct entry students. Universities are expected to plan transitions for young people, ensuring courses support articulation and provide seamless progression (Scottish Government, 2014). The Access in Scotland Report (Hunter Blackburn, Kadar-Satat, Riddell, & Weedon, 2016) called for further research into retention strategies for disadvantaged students and the development of appropriate support methods. Through the ASP, Edinburgh Napier University has introduced targeted learning opportunities to enhance student progression and attainment, by addressing barriers to success in the different HE environment, creating opportunities for students to develop their confidence and the academic skills which will help them to succeed at university. For some, the journey to university is seen as a ‘rite of passage’ (Giddens, 1991); others have no family history of university study and the journey from college to university is an unknown path. This research makes use of focus groups involving articulating students, both before and after transitions from college into adjacent degree courses, to examine their experience of the transition, combined with data from large scale surveys of all undergraduate students in the School of Computing and the associate students currently studying in college and, importantly, the university’s retention and attainment data.

Highlights

The Associate Student Scheme was introduced by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) in 2013 with a remit to improve the transition from college to university for direct entry (DE) students – to improve the students’ experience and outcomes
Quantitative data is available through university records of student attainment
Survey participants need to consent to the university using the information that they provide for research

Summary

Introduction

The Associate Student Scheme was introduced by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) in 2013 with a remit to improve the transition from college (further education institute/FEI) to university for direct entry (DE) students – to improve the students’ experience and outcomes. Studying an HND (Higher National Diploma) at college and entering directly into 2nd or 3rd year of a university degree programme is a key way to widen access to university, but involves challenges for students and staff. In its 4th year, the ASP, within Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, provides a range of interventions to support DE students, from their 1st year at college to their final year at university.

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Conclusion