1. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 The Forum for the Advancement of Continuing Education The Organisation for Lifelong Learning University College Cork National University of Ireland, Cork Involving the Family Catherine Foster, Aston Business School

2. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 History of Programme Aston WP Activity Phase I Research (Jha, Higson & Li, 2003) Findings of Phase I Phase II Aims

3. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Background Influence on students of decision making (Conner et al, 1999 & 2004) Role of Family (Pathak, 2000; Warren & Gillbourne, 2003) Previous research (Dodgson & Whitham, 2003)

4. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Research of Phase II 3 stages: Student Research Open Day Parents Sessions Parents Research – Focus of Report To inform the content of programme activity Questionnaire Interviews

5. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Key Findings from research Student Research Findings Open Day Parents Sessions Questions Common Themes Across all 3 stages

6. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Questionnaire Findings The majority of parents (91.6%) stated they would like their children to go to University, however, many did not agree that they could afford for them to go Differences exist between minority ethnic groups when asked if they would be happy for their child to move away to attend University The top three concerns for parents were safety, debt and accommodation More than half of the parents stated they would expect their child to take up or continue with part time work Caribbean parents were less likely than other minority ethnic groups to agree that everyone has an equal chance to go to University

7. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Concerns/Issues Level of support Cost Safety Security Lack of understanding of University Accommodation Treatment of child (as an equal) Social Life (both content and as a distracter)

8. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 External Issues/Barriers to Progression Finance Racism Expectations of students Cultural Understanding Effect of finance on rest of family Jargon Relationship with school and teachers Understanding of system Information not accessible

9. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Information Required about: Accommodation Subjects Information Course Information Pastoral Care Study Skills needed Links and Events with Schools Ethnic Make-Up of Students and staff Easy-speak prospectus Case Studies of current students

10. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Programme Structure Visit to School Daytime Visit to University Booklet sent to you

11. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Programme Activity Attendance at School events Visits to Community Organisations Visit into University Parents Guide to HE

12. Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference 6 th, 7 th & 8 th July 2005 Contacts Catherine Foster Tel: 0121 204 3137 Email: c.s.foster@aston.ac.uk Web: http://www.aston.ac.uk/parents