Managing and Supporting Student Diversity in Higher Education

Government initiatives in many countries emphasise social inclusion in higher education, resulting in a more diverse student population. This presents opportunities and challenges for academic and professional staff in managing and supporting these students. Managing and Supporting Student Diversity in Higher Education focuses on how students succeed amidst a culture of widening participation. The book is divided into seven chapters. The first introduces current literature and policies to present an international perspective on widening participation in higher education. The following five chapters present students' stories on topics including getting into higher education, the international experience, coping with education later in life, and identity. Stories are followed by implications for management and support, and discussion topics for practitioners. The book concludes by looking at how students succeed in higher education and the implications for managing and supporting student diversity.

• Provides an accessible and practical resource using students' own voices
• Emphasises how students from diverse backgrounds succeed in higher education
• Offers in-depth personal insights into issues facing learners from diverse backgrounds

Autorentext

Dr Benson is a Senior Lecturer in Educational Design and e-Learning at Monash University, Australia. She has an extensive background in adult education, distance education and the use of educational technologies in higher education. She has initiated the design and development of many 'workbooks' to support academic professional development workshops on aspects of teaching, and to act as standalone resources for staff. Recent workbooks have included an orientation to educational design and e-learning, and covered specific issues relating to online communication and online assessment.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements

Preface

About the authors

Chapter 1: Setting the context

Abstract:

Introduction

International trends supporting widening participation in higher education

Theoretical perspectives underpinning social inclusion

Opportunities and challenges

Strategies for improving access and retention

How students from diverse backgrounds succeed in higher education: an overview

Using participatory research and the student's voice to inform decision-making

An introduction to the cases

Summary

Chapter 1: discussion topics

Chapter 2: Finding the way to higher education: Miranda and Rochelle

Abstract:

Introduction

Miranda's story

Educational experiences

Managing study

Managing

Support

Reflections and future plans

Rochelle's story

Educational experiences

Managing study

Support

Reflections and future plans

Implications for managing and supporting student diversity: transition to higher education and the first year experience

Summary

Chapter 2: discussion topics

Chapter 3: This time it's different: Sesh and Shannon

Abstract:

Introduction

Sesh's story

Shannon's story

Implications for managing and supporting student diversity: student retention

Summary

Chapter 3: discussion topics

Chapter 4: The international experience: Lam and Zelin

Abstract:

Introduction

Lam's story

Zelin's story

Implications for managing and supporting student diversity: international students

Summary

Chapter 4: discussion topics

Chapter 5: Coming to education later in life: Alex Carole and Virginia

Abstract:

Introduction

Alex Carole's story

Virginia's story

Implications for managing and supporting student diversity: mature age students

Summary

Chapter 5: discussion topics

Chapter 6: Finding my voice at last: Lillian, Marie, and Harriet

Abstract:

Introduction

Lillian's story

Marie's story

Harriet's story

Implications for managing and supporting student diversity: encouraging transformative learning

Summary

Chapter 6: discussion topics

Chapter 7: Helping students to succeed

Abstract:

Introduction

How the students from diverse backgrounds succeeded in higher education

Overall implications of the cases for managing and supporting student diversity

Summary

Chapter 7: discussion topics

References

Index