Abstract
This paper examines the decision-making process of students who decided to study for a foundation
degree. The research involved in-depth interviews with students who were on, or had recently
completed, a foundation degree. The study found that students had not adopted a
rational/comprehensive approach when making their decision. Indeed, the students only utilised
limited sources of information; they did not consider a range of different options; and they often relied
on informally absorbed information and their intuition. As a result, the students demonstrated a lack of
understanding of the higher education system. This included students from middle class backgrounds
(including those with one or more parent who had been to university). The study concludes by
recommending that all students should have access high quality sources of impartial advice and they
should be provided with help (through reflective exercises and activities such as analogical encoding)
to make them more effective decision-makers.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Event | Society for Research into Higher Education - Newport, United Kingdom Duration: 8 Dec 2009 → 10 Dec 2009 |
Conference
Conference | Society for Research into Higher Education |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Newport |
Period | 8/12/09 → 10/12/09 |