Exploring level 5 student’s lived experiences of the barriers to their progression and attainment

Dr Emma Whewell and Lee Waters, University of Northampton, UK

Email: Emma.Whewell@northampton.ac.uk; Lee.Waters@northampton.ac.uk

Session recording

Presentation

Click to download the presentation Exploring level 5 student’s lived experiences of the barriers to their progression and attainment (.pptx)

Abstract

This workshop will provide an interactive workshop designed to allow participants to reflect on how they might support student success at their institution, although conducted at a UK university the methodology and subsequent findings have relevance to all students embarking on higher education. This workshop builds upon the outcomes of a mixed methods investigation into the perceived barriers to attainment and progression in level five sport students at the University of Northampton.

We will present the findings of our study which used two data sets- initially entry level data was analysed to identify some of the key characteristics of the student cohort- for example entry route, age, and ethnic background.  Secondly, a phenomenological case study of the lived experiences of 15 level 5 sport and exercise students was conducted. It aimed to understand the complexities of success in higher education, far beyond entry qualifications, indices of deprivation and POLAR characteristics, to offer a first-hand account of student perceptions and interpretations of the barriers they face in progression, retention, and completion on their programme.

Using focus groups and interviews with students from a range of indices we have constructed a set of vignettes written in the first person that explore interpretations of our students’ lived experiences and challenges. Findings demonstrate a complex set of circumstances that centre on managing workload, use of support services and aspirations of students that conflict with university priorities. They represent students individual and collective journeys and have relevance across all levels and subjects.

Conclusions centre on the role of academic and pastoral support, assumptions about priorities of students and practical interventions to support achievement. This workshop will use the vignettes as a discussion prompt to raise considerations for colleagues’ own institutions. Using break out rooms and audience participation including the chat function and Padlet, we will look to consider solutions for the case study vignettes and how these could be applicable to other institutions.

The outcomes of this workshop are to raise awareness of the complex set of circumstances students in higher education may face and to offer our colleagues means by which they may be able to support their students and represent their voice in their teaching, learning and assessment practices.

Dr Emma Whewell

Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching: University of Northampton

Emma is an Associate Professor in teaching and Learning and Teaching where she has a university wide role to support staff and students in learning, teaching, and assessment. She works in the Faculty for Arts, Science and Technology at the University of Northampton. She is the Deputy Head of Subject for Sport and Exercise and the Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) Physical Education and Sport Degree. Emma is an experienced teacher educator and teacher. She is the Co-Lead for the Centre for Active Digital Education.  Emma's research focuses upon mentoring, identity formation, digital pedagogies and inclusive education.

Lee Waters

Senior Lecturer: University of Northampton

Lee Waters is a senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology and Primary Practitioner in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy with over 15 years’ experience in education (FE and HE) & applied settings (sport, business, & military). Lee has led learning & teaching development programmes, been module leader for various psychological topics & course leader for sport programmes. Lee is currently in the latter stages of his PhD investigating the Underlying Mechanisms of Decision Making using eye tracking, cognitive and sports vision training. Lee is keen to understand and explore the holistic nature of learning and teaching and acknowledges there are multiple factors to consider when planning and delivering programmes. A key aspect of Lee’s approach is that is that he does not only focus on the subject matter but also the wider skills that can be developed to assist students in their development.