Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Involving the Family
Catherine Foster, Aston Business School
The Forum for the Advancement of Continuing Education
The Organisation for Lifelong Learning
University College Cork
National University of Ireland, Cork
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
History of Programme
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Aston WP Activity
Phase I Research (Jha, Higson & Li, 2003)
Findings of Phase I
Phase II Aims
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Background
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Influence on students of decision making
(Conner et al, 1999 & 2004)
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Role of Family
(Pathak, 2000; Warren & Gillbourne, 2003)
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Previous research
(Dodgson & Whitham, 2003)
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Research of Phase II
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3 stages:
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Student Research
Open Day Parents Sessions
Parents Research – Focus of Report
To inform the content of programme
activity
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Questionnaire
Interviews
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Key Findings from research
Student Research Findings
Open Day Parents Sessions Questions
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Common Themes
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Across all 3 stages
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Questionnaire Findings
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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
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Concerns/Issues
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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)
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
External Issues/Barriers to
Progression
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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
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Information Required about:
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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
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Programme Structure
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Visit to School
Daytime Visit to University
Booklet sent to you
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Programme Activity
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Attendance at School events
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Visits to Community Organisations
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Visit into University
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Parents Guide to HE
Towards a Global Understanding of Lifelong Learning > Making a Difference
6th, 7th & 8th July 2005
Contacts
Catherine Foster
Tel:
Email:
Web:
0121 204 3137
[email protected]
http://www.aston.ac.uk/parents