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Download fileWhat is success? Reflections on assisting BTEC students’ transitions into higher education
journal contribution
posted on 2020-05-21, 10:01 authored by Sandra Huskinson, Helen MacKenzie, Keith Pond, Richard GoodmanRichard GoodmanPresently, one in four students entering higher education (HE) hold a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualification. These vocational qualifications have played an important role in developing an additional educational pathway into universities for students often associated with under-represented groups and low participation regions, while widening participation initiatives have contributed to the increased number of BTEC students entering HE institutions (HEIs). Following on, potential approaches to support BTEC students during their first year at university were devised. One intervention has involved the development of an online module aimed to assist BTEC students’ transition from college to higher education. This article reflects upon the development of an online module implemented at a ‘selective’ university and examines what we actually define as 'success' within this context. The case study draws upon a variety of sources and provides not just an understanding of the project outcomes, but also an in-depth understanding about the more complex issues surrounding working with students to produce a successful project. Recommendations are provided for further work within this important field.
Funding
The project was made possible by a grant from the UK Higher Education Funding Council.
History
School
- Business and Economics
- University Academic and Administrative Support
Department
- Business
- IT Services