From ‘pushed out’ to reengaged: experiences from a flexible learning programme

Abstract

Disengagement from education is frequently reported as a reflection of persistent patterns of inequality. This research prioritized student voice to understand the experiences of young people who had disengaged from mainstream education. The current research aimed to understand why students enter a flexible learning programme, and explore how flexible learning can result in student engagement and subsequent academic success. A phenomenological case study approach was adopted incorporating semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, it was important to include the teacher’s perspective (as the researcher). Narrative inquiry and semi-structured interviews with graduating students concluded that disengaged students were ‘pushed’ out of mainstream schooling but subsequently engaged and became academically successful in an alternative education setting. Crucial to student engagement was developing student-teacher relationships and implementing flexible learning.

Keywords:

• Education inequality
• student engagement
• student-teacher relationships
• flexible learning

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the VCAL graduates of Skillinvest who shared their educational experiences in such open and trusting ways. We wish them all the best of luck as they move on to their next stage in life. Last, we extend our sincere appreciation to Skillinvest management for their assistance and enthusiasm to see this research project through to its conclusion.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Butson

Michael Butson is a PhD student at Monash University in the Faculty of Education. His current research interests are improving student engagement in secondary education.

Ruth Jeanes

Ruth Jeanes is Professor and Head of School - Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education within the Faculty of Education at Monash University. Ruth is a sociologist whose research interests focus on the use of sport and active recreation as a community development resource, particularly to address social exclusion amongst acutely marginalized groups.