Enhancing success at university: understanding our students through their learning careers

Reid, F. and Davidson, J. (2022) Enhancing success at university: understanding our students through their learning careers. Student Success, 13(1), pp. 21-31. (doi: 10.5204/ssj.2013)

Abstract

This article discusses a study that started from the premise that we can better support our students when we know who they are. The study used narrative analysis to explore reasons for success for undergraduate business students in a New Zealand university. Drawing on the work of Bourdieu and the concept of learning careers (Bloomer & Hodkinson, 2000) the study gained insights into the students’ educational journeys, the development of an educated habitus (Nash, 2002) and the importance of the development of social, academic and emotional capital on the journey towards success. The study reinforced findings about the non-linear paths to and through university of some students, and the importance of parental emotional support in student success. It demonstrated the usefulness of the concept of learning careers to better understand who our students are, and consequently how to better support them to succeed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Student success, Bourdieu, learning careers.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Davidson, Dr Janis
• Authors: Reid, F., and Davidson, J.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General); L Education > LB Theory and practice of education; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
• College/School: University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division
• Journal Name: Student Success
• Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
• ISSN: 2205-0795
• ISSN (Online): 2205-0795
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Student Success 13(1): 21-31
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License