Access and Transition to Higher Education 1997 - 2001

Context

In 1997, the School of Access and Education, University of Derby set in motion a longitudinal research project into the experience of mature adults who were at the time studying on their Access Course. The research was undertaken in three phases:

phase one was concerned with the learners' experience of the Access Course and covered three main issues: teaching and learning, guidance, personal change and self-identity. This research was carried out between 1997-1998.

phase two was concerned with the learners' experience of transition to higher education and covered the following issues: motivation, retention, family learning, social capital and gender differences. The research was carried out between 1999-2000.

phase three was concerned with the learners' experience of higher education and covered the following issues: gender differences in concept of self, concepts of knowledge, perception of curricula, ways of learning, teaching methods, barriers to learning, support to learning, and practical problems. They were also asked to comment on their perception of the facilities and student services. The research was carried out between 2000-2001.