Mature students’ stories: a study investigating the complexity of interpretation

Mikuska, E. and Kurowski, A. A. (2014) Mature students’ stories: a study investigating the complexity of interpretation. In: To Think is to Experiment, 30 April 2014, Centre for Narrative Research (CNR), in collaboration with NOVELLA (Narratives of Varied Everyday Lives and Linked Approaches), University of East London.

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Abstract

Recent evidence (UCAS, 2013) shows that in terms of participation, students over 20 years old are under-represented in Higher Education. The focus of this study was to investigate the effect of relevant existing policies on ‘non-traditional’ students and to highlight the possible emotional impact caused. The aims were to find out, through narrative inquiry, whether the application and admission policy best suits the needs of this ‘group.’ Also, greater understandings of those who wish to apply from employment to HE were sought, and how emotionally demanding the process of becoming a university student can be. Our reflection on the study shows the complexity of the interpretation of narratives due to the fluidity and multi-layer nature of the emotions, and the difficulties in recording and categorising the data. For example, many participants reported that applying through the ‘unknown terrain’ of UCAS was initially a real challenge that generated negative emotions. However, these emotions were transformed into relief after attending an interview.

Publication Type: Conference or Workshop Items (Paper)
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Childhood
Event Title: To Think is to Experiment
Event Location: Centre for Narrative Research (CNR), in collaboration with NOVELLA (Narratives of Varied Everyday Lives and Linked Approaches), University of East London
Event Dates: 30 April 2014
Depositing User: Eva Mikuska
Date Deposited: 13 May 2014 14:55
Last Modified: 11 Aug 2017 10:13
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/1173

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