Facilitating the learning of mature women students: a British perspective

Abstract

The numbers and the proportion of mature women students are currently increasing in continuing and higher education in Britain. This paper addresses the issues involved in such an increase, showing that demographic changes and political support for adult returners coincides with women's wishes, demands and opportunities to take advantage of the study they missed out on at school. Reasons such as poor teaching, lack of motivation, culture and other priorities are among those examined to partially explain women's low participation in the past, their choice of subject areas, wastage and under achievement.

Models of good practice in provision for mature women students, particularly those with non‐standard entry qualifications are examined, with a specific focus on the organisation of access and pre‐access courses. Examples of higher education provision such as that of the Open University, and a variety of polytechnics and colleges provide useful models for recommendations for change for other host institutions.

Institutional and pedagogical concerns which facilitate women returners are considered: course design, course content, teaching and learning strategies, funding, hours, assessment, nursery provision and counselling support are all suggested as issues to be addressed by institutions hoping and intending to recruit, retain and facilitate the successful study of mature women students.