Abstract
This research offers an exploration into the challenges faced by the widening participation students with a specific emphasis on mature individuals. Widening participation in higher education has evolved beyond addressing socio-economic disparities to include individuals who, despite underachieving in school due to disadvantaged circumstances, can benefit from higher education. Existing research suggests that mature students often struggle with their innumerable challenges including time constraints, family responsibilities and financial pressures which can significantly impact their educational journey. This study employed a qualitative research design, to explore the multifaceted experience of student success for mature students in widening participation. This study collected data from nine students from a UK higher education institution focusing on widening participation. Data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews are analysed using thematic analysis. This study provides constructive perceptions of student success, indicating that success extends beyond traditional metrics of academic achievement. Academic success includes a personal conquest of different personal obstacles including family commitments, mental health and serious physical health conditions. It also identified that student success is perceived as a holistic and shared experience of students. This study not only contributes to the broader discourse of inclusive education, but also provides evidence-based strategies for universities to support the complex needs of mature widening participation students. The empirical findings of this study are set to transform institutional policies and practises, creating an atmosphere that catalyses the success of mature widening participation students in higher education.
Author Information
Mark Gallagher-Read, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
Besty Jose, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
Stephanie Ng, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
John Deane, University of Wales Trinity St David, United Kingdom
Paper Information
Conference: ECE2024
Stream: Learning Experiences
This paper is part of the ECE2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Gallagher-Read M., Jose B., Ng S., & Deane J. (2024) Empowering Success: Strategies for Widening Participation Students Facing Personal Commitment Challenges ISSN: 2188-1162 The European Conference on Education 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 265-274) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2188-1162.2024.21
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2188-1162.2024.21
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