Widening Participation? Yes we can!
Insights from policy and leading practice in three countries; England, Ireland and USA

Dr Ann Stewart, Director, The Equity Office, The University of Queensland

Report from a study tour of key higher education institutions, leading universities and their partner schools in England, Ireland and Seattle, USA, to investigate widening participation for people from Low Socio-economic Status backgrounds.

Widening Participation? Yes we can!

Interventions early in school as a means to improve higher education outcomes for disadvantaged (particularly low SES) students

The research comprises:

  • a design and evaluation matrix for university outreach in schools;
  • a literature review describing pre-Year 11 outreach programs operating primarily in Australia but also in Canada, the USA, the UK and New Zealand;
  • a survey report presenting an analysis of data collected in late 2008 from Australian universities on the nature and extent of programs, interventions and outreach activities targeting pre-Year 11 students, and
  • case studies of seven university-initiated collaborative programs with schools which aim to increase higher education participation and outcomes for disadvantaged (particularly low SES) students.

http://www.innovation.gov.au/HigherEducation/ResourcesAndPublications/HigherEducationPublications/OtherPublications/Pages/InterventionsEarlyInSchoolForDisadvantagedStudents.aspx

Selection and Participation in Higher Education: University selection in support of student success and diversity of participation

This paper reviews criteria and strategies in student selection and the implications of their use for equity of participation in higher education and the prospects for student success. The paper offers an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of criteria for prior academic achievement, tests of aptitude and preparedness and broader criteria used in university selection. The aim of this paper is to support informed discussion regarding the development and improvement of university selection criteria and practices, recognising the common challenges universities face in fostering diversity of participation and student success in an expanding tertiary education environment.

Effective Teaching and Support of Students from Low Socio Economic Backgrounds

This research contributes to enhancing the learning and experiences of students from low socioeconomic status (LSES) backgrounds in Australian higher education. The research identifies and documents successful initiatives and has created a new, easy-to-use and adaptable set of resources to assist institutions to effectively implement policies, programs and practices to facilitate the success of students from these backgrounds.

For more information, go to http://www.lowses.edu.au/

 

 

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