Hindle, C and McEwan, C and Boliver, V and Mclarnon, A and Simpson, B and Brown, H (2021) 'Experiences of first-generation scholars at a highly selective UK university.', Learning and teaching., 14 (2). pp. 1-31.
Abstract
Targets set by the UK Office for Students require highly academically selective UK universities to enrol a greater percentage of students identified as least likely to participate in higher education. Such students are typically at a disadvantage in terms of levels of academic preparedness and economic, cultural and social capital. Drawing on 18 interviews with first generation students at Durham University, we identify five sites of pressure: developing a sense of belonging within the terms of an elite university culture; engagement in student social activities; financial worries; concerns about academic progress, and self-transformation. Based on these insights, we argue that support for first generation scholars will require that universities recognise and redress elitist cultures that discourage applications from prospective first-generation scholars ultimately ensuring those who do enrol have the best educational and all-round experience.
Item Type: | Article |
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Keywords: | first generation scholars, inclusion, higher education, highly selective universities, widening participation |
Full text: | (AM) Accepted Manuscript Available under License - Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives 4.0. Download PDF (1279Kb) |
Status: | Peer-reviewed |
Publisher Web site: | https://doi.org/10.3167/latiss.2021.140202 |
Publisher statement: | © The Author(s) 2021 |
Date accepted: | 29 January 2021 |
Date deposited: | 03 February 2021 |
Date of first online publication: | 01 June 2021 |
Date first made open access: | 03 February 2021 |
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