Moving from technical and further education to university: an Australian study of mature students
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 17:50authored byAbbott-Chapman, JA
Longitudinal research, conducted between 1999 and 2002, tracked the academic progress of a small sample of mature students entering the University of Tasmania, Australia, from a disadvantaged region of Tasmania to pursue degrees in accounting and education. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine the impact of alternative selection methods, attendance at the Unistart induction program and continuing study support, on students’ academic progress and satisfaction with university. The progress of mature technical and further education (TAFE)-background students compared with those who held school-leaver qualifications is the particular focus of this paper. Findings reveal that TAFE-background students overall perform academically on a par with other members of the cohort, but that they experience more study problems and less satisfaction during the first year. Induction programs and study support assist the first-year transition and are associated with later academic success. Implications for wider policy are discussed.
History
Publication title
Journal of Vocational Education and Training
Volume
58
Pagination
1-17
ISSN
1363-6820
Department/School
School of Health Sciences
Publisher
Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Place of publication
Abingdon, Oxfordshire, U.K.
Rights statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Other education and training not elsewhere classified