Transitions to University Being and Becoming Transitions to University Dr Giles Martin SWIT Sept 2011 Conference, Nottingham

Project Project started Sept 2007: Survey of new entrants Interviews of a convenience sample of undergraduates Visits to schools and 6th form colleges Aims: Investigate learning & teaching transition to university at an institution Previous experience; preferences Expectations Actual experiences Identification of issues and areas of concern - recommendations

Themes: Pre-Uni Preparation (including areas universities can affect) Knowledge of the student population Different groups of students Minority experiences

Themes: Pre-Uni Preparation (including areas universities can affect) Knowledge of the student population Different groups of students Minority experiences Not knowing what to expect What is it actually like to study at university? Structures, processes etc.

Independent learning What does it mean? “Working on your own” “Just working on your own” “Working by yourself” “Out of classroom work”...

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Themes: Pre-Uni Preparation (including areas universities can affect) Knowledge of the student population Different groups of students Minority experiences Not knowing what to expect What is it actually like to study at university? Structures, processes etc.

Themes: @ Uni Managing expectations How to study at university level Feedback

Themes: Students’ reflections Communication ‘Rite of passage’

Being and Becoming

Ongoing issues Length of the transition Understanding of ‘how things work’ ‘Journey’ necessary? Different interpretations of experiences Knowing our students - groups

Discussion areas What could you do in your own personal practice to aid the transitions in the following areas? Expectations Knowledge of the students Transition as a longer term process