Using dissertation projects to facilitate transitions to university and employment: an exploratory case study

McMurray, I, Rafferty, C, Sutton, C and Patel, S (2017) 'Using dissertation projects to facilitate transitions to university and employment: an exploratory case study.' Journal of Further and Higher Education, 41 (3). pp. 273-285. ISSN 0309-877X

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2015.1100712

Abstract

The transition between school or college and higher education can be a challenging time for a student. Schools, colleges and universities work together in a number of ways in order to try and ease this process. However, many students still find their first-year experience difficult to adjust to, which can impact on their own development and achievement. This article documents critical reflections on a case study of a teaching, learning and research partnership currently being undertaken between a secondary school where students are taught AS and A Level psychology and a department of psychology in a post-1992 university in England. Drawing upon a social constructivist framework together with Healey’s model of the link between research and teaching, the aims of this study were to explore how undergraduate dissertation students can work with AS and A Level students on their dissertation projects. The study showed that the AS and A Level students found it an enjoyable practical experience, which they felt enhanced their understanding of university studies. The dissertation students found that the experience might be useful for postgraduate studies and future employment. This article highlights the benefits of the process but also the challenges for those involved, particularly if it was to be conducted on a larger scale.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: transitions, higher education, peer-tutoring, dissertation, employability
Divisions: School of Sciences
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2015.1100712
Date Deposited: 07 Oct 2020 11:15
Last Modified: 15 Aug 2021 09:55
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/13532
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