Journal article
Australian Indigenous students tertiary education choices: Exploring the decision to enter higher education and choice of university
Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, Vol.31(April), pp.23-41
2008
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to explore the factors influencing Indigenous students‟ tertiary education choices, in particular the students‟ decision to enter higher education, specifically undergraduate university study, and their choice of higher education institution. Indigenous students are underrepresented in the higher education sector and so knowledge of their decision process will assist in developing strategies to increase participation rates. A two-stage study at a regional university identified the salient factors influencing Indigenous students‟ decision to commence university studies and the choice of university. The first stage consisted of focus groups and depth interviews, while the second stage was an email survey. Specifically the survey results highlighted three areas of possible impact for each choice. For the decision to enter higher education the key factors were; knowledge of the Indigenous Support Unit and its support programs, the presence of enabling courses, and having friends/family attending or having attended higher education. For the choice of higher education institution the key factors were; location of the university, the degrees/programs on offer by the institution, and reputation of the Indigenous Support Unit at the institution.
Details
- Title
- Australian Indigenous students tertiary education choices: Exploring the decision to enter higher education and choice of university
- Authors
- Brendan Powell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of BusinessMeredith A Lawley (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Business
- Publication details
- Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, Vol.31(April), pp.23-41
- Publisher
- Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association Inc.
- Date published
- 2008
- ISSN
- 1320-2480; 1320-2480
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2008 Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association Inc. Reproduced with the permission of the publisher.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450147302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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