Extended Science: a powerful tool in widening participation

Authors

  • David John Harwood University of Plymouth

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.v0i10.263

Keywords:

year zero, extended degree, mature returner, widening access

Abstract

Year zero courses, as part of extended degree programmes, offer a robust and efficacious means of increasing participation in science and other areas of the university curriculum where graduate shortages have been identified, STEM subjects for example. This 23-year longitudinal study investigates the efficacy of this approach at one university and identifies the features which contribute to its success and may be transferable to other institutions and models. Quantitative and qualitative data are analysed and discussed. A particular feature of this approach is success in attracting, retaining and graduating mature returners as well as those with no prior familial history of participation in higher education. The critical importance of establishing a higher education learning culture also emerges.

Author Biography

David John Harwood, University of Plymouth

Associate Professor. Director, Institute for Science Education

Downloads

Published

14-10-2016

How to Cite

Harwood, D. J. (2016) “Extended Science: a powerful tool in widening participation”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (10). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.v0i10.263.

Issue

Section

Case Studies