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

2. 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

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

7. 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.

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

9. Support

10. 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.

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

12. Themes: Students’ reflections
Communication
‘Rite of passage’

13. Being and Becoming

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

15. 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