A Tale of Two Universities Induction needs of students

1
A Tale of Two UniversitiesInduction needs of
students

• Beverley Crooks
• Brunel University
• Middlesex UK
• Deeba Parmar
• Middlesex University
• Middlesex UK

2
Outline

• Researchers
• University profiles
• Meaning of induction
• Changing nature of induction
• Methods
• Findings
• Recommendations

3
Intro

• Pre and Post 1992 institutions
• Retention rates of 6.6 and 15
• Few vocational courses, young students, very
  little part time provision
• Wide range of vocational and part time courses,
  large number of mature students
• Multi-campus
• Expanded fulltime undergraduate numbers

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Meaning of Induction

• Different interpretations
• Shared understanding
• Boundary crossing
• 5 days

5
The changing nature of induction

• Begins with first piece of communication
• Ends when a student can successfully induct
  another student

6
Methods

• Qualitative
• Semi-structured interviews
• Focus groups planned
• First six weeks of term
• 18 - 43 years old
• Opportunity sample

7
Findings

• Universities viewed induction as a one-week event
• Social, administrative and academic aspects often
  at odds
• Students viewed it as an optional event
• Staff concentrated on administrative matters at
  the expense of the positive student focus
  experience
• Induction catered well for young full time
  students living on campus

8
Recommendations

• Qualitative evaluation of induction
• Spiral induction
• Part-time/full time provision
• Mature and living at home provision
• Reality Check