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McGivney 1996
Citation Text:
McGivney, V. (1996) Staying or leaving the course: retention and non-completion of mature students in further and higher education. Leicester: National Institute for Adult Continuing Education.Editorial Comment:
Focus of study
A literature review and qualitative data contributed to this study. The researcher held a consultation meeting with representatives from adult, FE and HE institutions and obtained data via a postal survey from 15 tertiary and FE colleges, 13 HE institutions, 10 access validating agencies and 2 local education authorities.
Key findings
Many institutions declined to participate, partly because they lacked the relevant data. Institutional and research evidence indicates that mature students receive little or no advice before starting on advanced courses, and find course content and workloads demanding. Many reports recommend that providers supply more detailed and accurate information, and independent pre-entry guidance. They also argue for on-course careers advice. A point is made about guidance being available to all students, not only those studying full-time.
Additional comments
Data about students and guidance provision may have improved since research was undertaken. Martinez and Munday (1998) -see bibliography - have undertaken more recent research which we were unable to access within the timescale.