Abstract
In the last 20 years, considerable research and ideological focus has been placed on aspiration initiatives in Further Education (FE) in England. Unfortunately, the label of “aspiration” is often misunderstood, and the liberal overuse of the term is largely offered as a panacea for improving the academic and life outcomes of young people, which has resulted in a paucity of studies that examine application of the concept. This discussion paper explores how current aspirational doctrine plays out within FE in England and suggests that, although student aspirations are widely lauded as important, there is a lack of understanding of the practical application of aspirational strategies. We suggest the notion of “raising aspirations” has been condensed to little more than an incitement to action that oversimplifies complexities and ignores the burden of historical social influencers on students. Consequently, we argue that a more sophisticated analysis of aspiration is needed, as well as a wider debate involving relevant stakeholders on the practicalities of what constitutes aspirational strategy. Keywords: aspiration, widening participation, further education DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-9-13 Publication date: March 31 st 2020
Highlights
Further Education (FE)’s special focus is on bridging the link between school and work – supporting people to gain the vocational qualifications and skills they need to secure and progress in employment or learning
As argued elsewhere (e.g., Archer et al 2007; Croll 2008), the liberal overuse of, what we propose to be a misunderstood label of aspiration, is often offered as a panacea for improving the academic and life outcomes of young people. This is despite a relative paucity of studies examining the application of aspiration research and initiatives in FE in England. In this discussion paper we focus on how current aspirational doctrine (Gale & Parker 2015; Spohrer 2011) plays out in practice within FE
Is it the case that student aspirations are widely lauded as important but there is a lack of understanding of the practical application of this field of research? To understand the importance of an aspirational agenda within an FE setting it is necessary to appreciate how the sector has evolved to its current iteration
Summary
FE’s special focus is on bridging the link between school and work – supporting people to gain the vocational qualifications and skills they need to secure and progress in employment or learning. FE research often fails to recognise that raising student aspiration in practical terms is problematic.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
