Transition into Higher Education (Critical Practice in Higher Education)

This book will help all academic staff in higher education (HE) develop more informed teaching and better support students as they transition to university.

It explores the organisations who advise students pre-university and uncovers the myths and misconceptions held by HE stakeholders. Induction and welcome activities are examined in order to identify best practice, transition problems such as study skills, employment, mental health and identity are covered, and a final chapter focuses on the effects of Covid-19 on transition issues.

The Critical Practice in Higher Education series provides a scholarly and practical entry point for academics into key areas of higher education practice. Each book in the series explores an individual topic in depth, providing an overview in relation to current thinking and practice, informed by recent research. The series will be of interest to those engaged in the study of higher education, those involved in leading learning and teaching or working in academic development, and individuals seeking to explore particular topics of professional interest. Through critical engagement, this series aims to promote an expanded notion of being an academic – connecting research, teaching, scholarship, community engagement and leadership – while developing confidence and authority.

Harriet Jones was Professor of Student Learning in the School of Biological Sciences, the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation at the University of East Anglia. She specialised in teaching first year students in the School of Biological Sciences and researched the problems students face in making the move into HE for over 20 years. She worked with UCAS, Ofqual, OCR, AQA and IB, and contributed to conferences and workshops with educators on both sides of the school-to-university transition.

Gemma Mansi is the Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning in the school of education at the University of Greenwich. She is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and specializes in teaching childhood and youth studies. Her PhD explored how social change affects transitions of young fathers on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Through research and practice, Gemma has focused her efforts in developing a specialized understanding of young people’s transitions and how they are affected by social factors and institutions.

Catherine Molesworth is a lecturer in the school of education at the University of Greenwich where she teaches a range of subjects including psychology and statistics to undergraduates and doctoral students. Her PhD at City University and postdoctoral work at the Institute of Psychiatry focused on learning processes in autism spectrum disorders.

Heather Monsey has worked in outreach for the last 5 years and is currently an outreach officer for the University of East Anglia. The primary focus of her role is to widen access to university for students from backgrounds under-represented in higher education. Heather works closely with students, teachers and parents across Norfolk schools, facilitates a transition event on campus, as well as co-authors the Preparing for University MOOC.

Hilary Orpin is a Director of Strategic Development in the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, at the University of Greenwich. She is a Senior Fellow of the HEA. She has worked in higher education since 2007 and specialises in teaching students on the BA Hons childhood and youth studies programme. As both an HE lecturer and youth and community worker she has supported young people’s transitions from school to further education and further education to higher education.

Joy Jarvis is currently Professor of Educational Practice at the University of Hertfordshire and a UK National Teaching Fellow. She has experience in a wide range of education contexts and works to create effective learning experiences for students and colleagues. She is particularly interested in the professional learning of those engaged in educational practice in higher education settings and has undertaken a range of projects, working with colleagues locally, nationally and internationally, to develop practice in teaching and leadership of teaching.

Karen Mpamhanga (formerly Karen Smith) is Professor of Higher Education and Professional Learning in the School of Education at the University of Hertfordshire. Her research focuses on how higher education policies and practices impact on those who work and study within universities. She holds a Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and is currently the Director of the University of Hertfordshire’s Professional Doctorate in Education. Karen also leads collaborative research and development in her School.