An Evaluation of the Pre-University Summer School at the University of Glasgow, 1986-1993, and Its Effects on Student Performance

Walker, Lynn (1996) An Evaluation of the Pre-University Summer School at the University of Glasgow, 1986-1993, and Its Effects on Student Performance. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The focus of the investigation in this thesis is the Pre-University Summer School, at the University of Glasgow. The years examined are from 1986 to 1993. The Pre-University Summer School is a course which provides preparation and access to higher education for groups of students who are socio-economically and/or educationally disadvantaged. The investigation focuses on this type of student. The central research question of the investigation is how can the 'Success' of the Summer School be evaluated? The criterion of 'success' of the Summer School had already been established by its Director, namely that students who had attended the Summer School should perform as well as 'average' groups of students who had not participated in the Summer School. The term 'average' groups of students was taken to mean similar non- traditional students. In answering this central question the thesis concentrates primarily on the academic performance of various groups of non-traditional and non-standard students at the University of Glasgow, comparing and contrasting progress and completion rates between those who attended Summer School and those who did not. It is, however, considered that the quantifying of the numbers and percentages of dropping-out and continuing students merely provides factual information and is insufficient towards an understanding of why such students discontinue their studies. To this end the thesis also focuses on a longitudinal qualitative study which examines the problems encountered by students whilst in higher education and identifies the similarities and differences between dropping out and continuing students. The thesis finally offers recommendations for the development of courses such as the Summer School which focus on non-traditional and non-standard students and, further, for wider application in the area of preparation for all students in higher education. These recommendations are based on the conclusions of both the quantitative and qualitative research.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: William Dunn
• Keywords: Higher education, Instructional design, Educational evaluation
• Date of Award: 1996
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1996-75598
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 19:21
• Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 19:21
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75598